Lead Forest Operations Advisor

Lead Forest Operations Advisor
Closing Date: 4 September 2025
Location: Flexible
Natural Resources Wales reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date
Team / Directorate: Estate Standards Team / Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)
Interview Date: 18 September 2025
Post number: 204000 (For office use only: GGL / ENV / GRJ / TTJ)
The role
To provide the expert technical lead on Timber Harvesting and/or Forest Management operations for how we manage the land in our care by managing the preparation of NRW policy, programmes, plans, strategies and guidance. These will translate Welsh & UK Government policy, UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) requirements and industry standards into practical approaches to the point of delivery. You will work with colleagues from other teams in Evidence, Policy and Permitting, Commercial, and Operations, officials from Welsh Government and sector representatives.
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.
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.
What you will do

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes.
• Retain ownership and oversight of forest operations functional policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches in relation to UKWAS requirements, regulatory and industry standards.
• Commission and deliver monitoring procedures and audits.
• Advise and define knowledge and competency gaps, commission resources, training and programmes to fill the gaps; manage projects, in line with the agreed programme.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the forestry sector, identifying the implications of legislative, technological and market changes for NR
• Lead or contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Land Stewardship Business Board, to prepare defined products as required.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed personal objectives.
• 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 and UK legislation and policy drivers related to forestry and the issues and opportunities for sustainable forest management in public forestry in the UK.
2. Knowledge and experience of timber harvesting operations and/or sustainable forest management.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders involved with the forestry sector and sustainable land management in public forestry in the UK and how to apply this in Wales.
4. Working with companies in the Forest Industry and where necessary with, local authorities, environmental non-governmental organisations, and National Park Authorities.
5. Experience of a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
6. You will have Professional membership or will be working towards professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body
7. Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
8. Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.