Lead Specialist Advisor Abandoned Mines

The role Abandoned metal mines are one of the most significant pollution pressures in Wales. Over 200 mine sites discharge high levels of metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium into the environment which have a detrimental effect on over 700km of rivers, reducing their ecological quality. We work with other organisations, notably the Mining Remediation Authority, to understand the sources of this pollution and to find and build solutions.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in delivering this work, providing high quality technical input and project management to the programme to provide the evidence base which underpins it. You will take the lead on directing monitoring programmes, investigating and characterising sites and catchments and the delivering remedial solutions. Driving is essential to this role. The role will involve visits to remote sites in Wales and to other offices, stakeholders.

You must hold a full and current UK driving license. As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance. To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Dave Johnston at Interviews will be face to face (details of location will be shared in advance)

About us You will join a small team at NRW working specifically on abandoned metal mines. The team is part of a wider group charged with delivering projects and programmes across a diverse portfolio including river restoration, biodiversity and ecosystem protection and improvement, flood risk management and reservoir engineering. What you will do Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.

Provide advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies. Retain ownership and oversight of policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent. Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.

Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s). Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required. Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to abandoned mines.

Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan. 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. Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method. Educated to a minimum of degree level in a an environmental discipline such as geoscience, geology, biology, environmental engineering or related technical subject, with experience of abandoned metal mines, water quality, freshwater ecology or contaminated land.

Knowledge of Welsh and UK policy drivers and legislation related to abandoned mines: including contaminated land, waste and water quality Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders and industries involved with abandoned mines in Wales. Experience and in-depth technical…