Marine Water Quality Lead Advisor
8 days ago
Bristol
The role We're looking for a marine water quality specialist who brings strong technical expertise and a solid understanding of the policies and legislation that shape this field. In this role, you'll provide high-quality advice across a diverse range of marine water quality issues-from nutrients, contaminants and ecotoxicology, to suspended sediments and, ideally, modelling. This is a chance to help shape the strategic direction of NRW's work on marine and estuarine water quality, particularly within our network of Marine Protected Areas. You'll ensure our advice (e.g. on management actions, regulation and policy) is grounded in robust evidence, while actively seeking opportunities to strengthen that evidence base through targeted projects. You'll also play a key role in developing clear, practical guidance for colleagues and developers, working closely with experts across both marine and water quality teams. You'll be at the heart of work that includes: • Identifying and delivering evidence needs for marine water quality, including commissioning research and collaborating with academic partners., • Developing guidance for colleagues advising on marine developments-from power stations to tidal range energy schemes., • Providing specialist scientific advice on nutrient management in coastal and marine environments., • Advising on water quality elements of condition assessments and contributing to effective management actions in Marine Protected Areas., • Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes and guidance including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest., • Provide statutory advice to WG and other bodies in Wales as well as UK government departments with reserved marine responsibilities, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies., • Retain ownership and oversight of marine water quality policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, UK Government and International Policy intent., • Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence and project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme., • Create and advise on guidance for NRW staff and external stakeholders., • Maintain a detailed working knowledge of marine water quality, identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s)., • Provide specialist advice to relevant NRW Programme Boards and contribute to the delivery of NRW's Marine Programme., • Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to marine water quality., • 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)., • Required to take part in incident response activities., • Knowledge of Welsh, UK and other legislation related to the marine environment and specifically water quality; Welsh & UK Governments & other policy drivers on Marine issues; and the issues and opportunities in Wales., • Knowledge and practical understanding of how to overcome the complex priorities, drivers and barriers faced by NRW, partners and stakeholders involved in delivering marine and coastal ecosystems outcomes in Wales, with particular reference to water quality., • Specialist technical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of marine water quality., • Experience of delivering evidence and guidance projects or programmes relevant to water quality., • Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications., • You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership., • Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena. Welsh Language level requirements, • 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 your life needs, • commitment to professional development, • health and wellbeing benefits and support #GRJ, ENV, GGL JBRP1_UKTJ