Lead Water Resources Specialist

Lead Water Resources Specialist

Role ID: 204154

Location: Flexible

Grade/Salary range: 7: £47,055 - £52,770

Working pattern: Full time

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA)

Contract end date: 31/03/2027

Closing date: 08/03/2026

The role

Do you have knowledge and experience in water resources? Do you enjoy project work and engaging with various technical specialists across teams and with stakeholders? If so, we have the job for you!

As a Lead Specialist Advisor, you will be the lead Senior User on the Water resources availability model ICT project. This model will enable us to assess water availability for the environment and abstractors now and in the future to improve our evidence base for water resources. The model will enable us to make evidence-based decisions to sustainably manage and regulate water abstraction and impoundments.

You will co-ordinate and work with the other Senior Users on the project to represent the interests of users across the organisation who will use the model or benefit from the project's products and deliverables. You will engage with technical specialists to agree requirements and ensure those requirements are met. The role will also be responsible for testing the product and lead the production of appropriate guidance and training, so that staff can use the model easily and effectively from the point of implementation.

The role will involve working closely with the ICT project team and the consultants providing support to the project and will liaise between the project team and the users. The role will also work with regulators including the Environment Agency to agree arrangements for the cross border river catchments and with external stakeholders including water companies who will also make use of the model outputs. The post will need to contribute to identifying project risks and actions to mitigate those risks.

We are looking for a person with good knowledge and experience in water resources, in particular in water resources availability assessments.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

This is a fixed term role until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of extension.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check.

Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Natural Resources Wales welcomes applications from non-UK citizens who are eligible to apply under this route, subject to confirmation by the Home Office.

Please note that while we may be able to support the Certificate of Sponsorship required for a visa application, the organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants.

The applicant must still meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirement. For further information, please visit: .

About us

This role is part of the Water Resources Team in the Strategy, Policy and Evidence Directorate. This team leads on NRW policy for the regulation of water abstractions and impounding water, water company water resources planning, drought planning and wider water resources management. We work with a range of external stakeholders, including regulators and water companies and are advisors to the Welsh Government on water resources matters. We are looking for a team member to help us make a positive difference to sustainably managing water resources.

What you will do

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.
• Provide statutory advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Retain ownership and oversight of Water Resources policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to Water Resources.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

1. Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to Water Resources; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in Water Resources in the WG Water Strategy; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
2. Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders involved with water resources use and management in Wales.
3. In-depth understanding of the Water Resources discipline/ topic and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.
4. Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
5. You will be a member of CIWEM or other relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.
6. Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
7. Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems.

Welsh Language level requirements

• Essential: A1 - Entry Level

Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.