Shape the Future of Welsh Woodlands – Join Natural Resources Wales as a Specialist Woodland Programme Implementation Advisor
Location: Flexible across Wales
Salary: £41,132 – £44,988, with annual increments
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours/week (part-time, compressed or flexible patterns welcomed)
Interview Format: Microsoft Teams
Post Number: 202729
Contact: chris.botting@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk for informal enquiries
Be at the Forefront of Woodland Expansion and Restoration in Wales
Are you a forestry professional with a deep understanding of woodland policy, practice, and evidence? Do you want to use your expertise to deliver meaningful, landscape-scale change?
Join Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as a Specialist Woodland Programme Implementation Advisor and help shape how Wales creates and restores woodland in support of climate, biodiversity, and land use goals. This is a senior advisory role that blends environmental science, policy delivery, and technical woodland management into one of the most influential forestry roles in Wales today.
The Role
As one of two Specialist Advisors in the Woodland Programme Team, you’ll be a key driver of quality, consistency, and innovation in how woodland creation and restoration schemes are delivered across Wales. These schemes are crucial to the Welsh Government’s commitment to expanding woodland cover, restoring native forests, and meeting its Net Zero ambitions.
You’ll provide strategic advice, technical insight, and expert leadership on verification processes—ensuring that every woodland proposal meets the UK Forestry Standard and delivers tangible, long-term value for people, wildlife, and the Welsh landscape.
Your work will include;
* Overseeing complex technical assessments, using data to inform recommendations
* Contributing to policy, guidance, and tool development for scheme delivery
* Leading stakeholder engagement across government, forestry, and land sectors
* Identifying evidence gaps and manage research to support woodland planning
* Advising NRW staff to ensure consistent, compliant woodland verification
* Acting as main contact for woodland implementation queries and advice
* Supporting innovation through task and finish group participation
What You’ll Need to Succeed
We’re looking for someone who combines technical forestry knowledge with project leadership and a collaborative mindset. You’ll need to demonstrate:
Knowledge of:
* Welsh, UK, and EU legislation relating to forestry, agriculture, and land management
* Welsh Government woodland policy (including the Woodland Creation and Restoration schemes) and how it applies on the ground
Experience in:
* Analysing complex environmental data and drawing evidence-based conclusions
* Working with government, industry, NGOs, and landowners to shape sustainable outcomes
* Project or programme management (qualifications welcome but not essential)
Professional Development:
* Membership of (or working towards) a relevant professional institution
Commitment to:
Inclusive practice, health and safety, and continuous personal development
Welsh language:
Basic Welsh skills (Level A1) are essential. Don’t worry if you’re not there yet—we’ll support you in getting up to speed!
Why Join Natural Resources Wales?
At NRW, we’re leading the way on environmental action across Wales. We offer:
* A competitive salary and pension scheme
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
* Generous annual leave and family-friendly policies
* A strong learning and development culture
* A bilingual and inclusive workplace committed to equality
* Opportunities to work on high-impact projects with national relevance
You’ll be contracted to the NRW office nearest your home, with a hybrid working plan agreed on appointment. All in-person meetings or training are planned well in advance.
How to Apply
Ready to help grow the forests of tomorrow? Read our full role description and candidate specification on our website.
Applications are welcome in Welsh or English, and we encourage submissions from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We’re committed to equality, and disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview.
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