INT & EXT - Senior Officer – Industry & Waste Regulation

The role

This is a rare opportunity to join and be an instrumental member of the Industry & Waste Regulation Team at Natural Resources Wales.

We're looking for someone who thrives on working with people, solving real-world environmental challenges and making a difference. Based in stunning North East Wales, this role focuses on protecting our valuable Environment.

The post holder will protect and enhance the environment by effective and efficient regulation of the most complex or highest risk industrial installations which are permitted under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, COMAH (Control of Major Accidents and Hazards) sites, RSR (Radioactive Substances Regulation) sites and waste sites.

You will respond safely, timely and efficiently to environmental incidents/reports and undertake appropriate investigation work.

As part of NRW’s duty as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act You’ll also respond safely, swiftly and effectively to environmental incidents/reports as and undertake appropriate investigation work Covering a large geographical area you will need to hold a valid full UK licence to drive NRW fleet vehicles (cars and vans).

Through application of our Regulatory Principles - ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, undertake proportionate enforcement action and achieve tangible multiple benefits from our regulatory interventions.

This is your chance to drive meaningful environmental change in our North East  Operational Area—working hands-on where it matters most.If you're driven by impact, ready to roll up your sleeves, and want to help shape a healthier, more resilient environment—this role is for you.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the NRW office at the above location and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment.  You will be expected to attend face to face meetings, training or to participate in operational matters as and when required.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Rhys Ellis at rhys.ellis@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

Interviews will take place through face to face at Buckley Office

Vetting checks may be required depending on the role. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 6 weeks of the closing date.

About us

We take pride in working together to protect and enhance our environment. You’ll be joining a fast‑paced, supportive operational team that turns its hand to a wide variety of tasks. Alongside regulating permitted sites, we respond to environmental incidents, carry out routine inspections, and provide local advice and guidance to colleagues and partners. No two days are the same, and you’ll play an active role in the work that makes a real difference to our environment and communities.

What you will do

• Assess compliance at installations, COMAH sites, waste sites and sites handling radioactive substances.
• Liaison with Counter Terrorism Security Advisors.
• Take appropriate actions to collect evidence for enforcement purposes, in accordance with defined procedures.
• Routinely lead our response to large or contentious cases/issues.
• Co-ordinate pre-application discussions with Operators and NRW Permitting Teams to aid timely, efficient and good quality permit variations, applications and surrenders.
• Where non-compliance is identified, determine and implement the most appropriate intervention option to ensure operators return to compliance as quickly as possible, with minimum environmental impact and consideration of the economic impacts.
• Work with Operators to develop medium-term regulatory strategies for the installations, including engagement with senior managers and executives within companies, to deliver multiple benefits.
• Be required to participate in technical/ strategic groups or represent NRW on external forums e.g. UK regulators’ sector groups, as required.
• Contribute to NRW Sector Groups and cross-agency sector groups as required to aid adoption of consistent regulatory approaches and the dissemination of good practices to the benefit of the environment.
• Coaching and mentoring of team members.
• Respond to incidents and complaints.
• Contribute to a positive health, safety and well-being culture.
• 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.
• Required to take part in incident response activities

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

Applications to this role will be assessed based on the following criteria both at shortlisting and interview. In your job application please demonstrate, using the STAR method, how you meet the requirements outlined below.

1. Extensive knowledge and experience of either working in a regulated industry or as a regulator.
2. Good understanding of commercial business processes and pressures.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with regulated business and the public, explaining complex issues and gaining support by influencing.

Welsh language level requirements:

• Essential: Level A1 – Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)
• Desirable: Level B2 – Upper intermediate level (able to discuss work matters)

Please note if you do not meet the level 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.