Overview
We are seeking a keen and enthusiastic Freshwater Ecologist to join our Environmental Assessment and Advice team in North West Wales. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the protection and improvement of freshwater environments in a country renowned for its natural beauty and ecological importance.
This is a varied role that blends laboratory analysis, desk‑based assessment, and fieldwork. The fieldwork will primarily be in North West Wales and will involve analysing freshwater ecological samples and undertaking field surveys across a range of sites. Your work will support evidence‑based decision‑making and environmental protection.
You will have an aptitude for, and bring experience of, analysing freshwater ecological samples in the laboratory and be confident working in the field. You will also be familiar with interpreting environmental data and producing clear and accurate reports.
Responsibilities
- Undertake ad hoc and routine system administration, data quality assurance, analysis and reporting.
- Provide specialist monitoring technical advice and guidance to internal and external customers, ensuring decisions are based on sound technical judgement in line with current legislation and best practice.
- Produce technical reports analysing and interpreting local datasets for operational work, public enquiries, court appeals etc.
- Help ensure that monitoring data is collected and stored to the quality standards prescribed by European and UK legislation and NRW policy.
- Assist Senior EAO and TL in planning, scheduling and tracking the annual survey and monitoring programmes, with regards to sampling activities.
- Advise on specialist non‑routine monitoring/survey work and the analysis of data including input on delivery of operational measures.
- Contribute to delivery of survey and monitoring programmes.
- Guide, advise and support internal and external customers, ensuring decisions are made on sound technical data and information.
- Help resolve local issues by providing scientific and technical advice/interpretation of monitoring data.
- Assist in the development and implementation of new monitoring and reporting methods, including collaboration with partner organisations at a local level.
- Respond to requests for information relating to monitoring data, within specified deadlines.
- Maintain and procure specialist sampling equipment.
- Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
- Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
- Be committed to your own development and the effective use of your personal development plan (Sgwrs).
- Take part in incident response activities.
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Qualifications and Experience
- Expertise in freshwater ecology and knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Practical experience of analysing freshwater ecological samples, and field‑based monitoring and surveying methods for macrophytes and river habitats.
- Good analytical and organisational skills including experience of data management systems, knowledge of data handling and GIS.
- Excellent communication skills, including interpreting and reporting on environmental data.
- Ability to swim and be confident working in water.
- Current valid full UK driving licence to drive NRW fleet vehicles (cars and vans).
Welsh Language Requirements
- Essential: Level A1 – Entry level (understanding basic phrases and pronunciation of Welsh names).
- Desirable: Level B2 – Upper intermediate level.
If you do not meet the A1 requirement, 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.
Additional Information
Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
Benefits
- Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme).
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days.
- Generous leave entitlements for all life needs.
- Commitment to professional development.
- Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
- Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to equal opportunities and guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
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