Description

The role Are you ready to make a real difference? Join us in a pivotal role where your scientific expertise will help protect Wales' environment and public health, while supporting sustainable industrial growth.
As a Lead Specialist Officer within the Installations and RSR Permitting Team, you will provide technical leadership and support, working both collaboratively and independently to assess complex environmental permit applications across a diverse range of large industry sectors in Wales; from refineries and large combustion plant to landfills, paper and food production, metals processing, and activities involving radioactive substances.
Using your strong scientific background (particularly in chemistry and maths) and experience of environmental regulation, you'll lead and support the team to carry out robust and complex technical assessments in line with legislation, technical guidance, NRW policies and procedures. Your expertise will underpin the team's decisions, to issue, refuse, or vary permits, which will directly influence how major industries operate, ensuring they meet environmental standards and adopt best practices.
You will have a high level of specialist expertise across several industrial sectors and will be the focal point for complex permitting queries from both internal and external customers, working with the wider Industry Regulation community to resolve issues that arise within your specialist areas. You will be the lead expert for applications of high public and/or political interest, representing the Permitting Service at public events, inquiries and legal appeals as required.
As a Lead Specialist Permitting Officer, you will play a key role in developing the capability of the team by using your technical expertise and experience to mentor and support less experienced colleagues. You will help build their confidence in decision-making and support them in meeting deadlines, contributing to a high-performing and resilient permitting team.
Beyond permitting, you'll play an active role in engaging with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical queries, contribute to work planning and drive process improvements. You'll also participate in industrial cluster groups and help embed the principles of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) into our regulatory frameworks - ensuring our approach remains forward-thinking, integrated, and impactful.
This is your chance to be part of a progressive organisation, working at the intersection of science, policy, and industry - all while helping to safeguard Wales' natural resources for future generations.
About us The role sits within a small closely working team of permitting specialist scientists that share knowledge, experience, and best practice. You will be responsible for supporting, mentoring and training of your peers to facilitate risk based decisions to produce robust enforceable permits.