Development Planning Advice Service Assistant

The role

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented and passionate about protecting Wales' natural environment?

Natural Resources Wales is looking for a Development Planning Assistant to join our Development Planning Advice Service, helping to ensure environmental considerations are at the heart of planning and development decisions across Wales.

In this important role, you will provide essential support to a team of specialist advisers who review planning proposals and provide expert environmental advice. You will help manage planning consultations, maintain accurate records and systems, produce reports and management information, and respond to customer enquiries, ensuring the team can deliver an efficient and effective service.

This is far more than an administrative role. The work you do will directly support advice that influences how places are planned and developed across Wales, helping to balance environmental protection with sustainable growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and an interest in planning, the environment or public service. Whether you are looking to begin your career or build on existing experience, you'll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills while making a meaningful contribution to Wales' sustainable future.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team on a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of a permanent position becoming available in the future.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within the place base / location above and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

Interviews will take place on 19/08/2026 & 20/08/2026 through Microsoft Teams.

The Development Planning Advice Service (DPAS) plays a key role in helping to shape sustainable development across Wales. We provide expert, evidence-based environmental advice to Local Planning Authorities and Welsh Government, helping to ensure that planning decisions take account of Wales' natural resources and environmental priorities.

Working across a wide range of environmental topics, our advice supports better outcomes for people, places and nature. By influencing plans, policies and development proposals at both the strategic and local level, we help create resilient communities, protect and enhance the environment, and support the sustainable management of Wales' natural resources for current and future generations.

Joining our team means becoming part of a professional, supportive and purpose-driven service that is committed to making a positive difference to Wales' environment and communities every day.

• Provide effective administrative and business support to the Development Planning and Advice Service.
• Monitor and maintain business information systems (hardcopy and electronic) including the planning IT system.
• Enter application data accurately onto the planning data management systems, using judgement to identify when additional information is required and responding appropriately
• Triage incoming case work and identity when matters fall outside of our remit, using a provided decision-making framework. Responsible for communicating to the customer when the matter is not for NRW to review.
• Produce information from IT systems.
• Handle and respond to customer inquiries.
• 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.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

• Education to GCSE level standard or relevant work experience.
• Able to work well as part of a team.
• Good inter-personal skills with the ability to…