Senior Investigative Officer

The role You will be working as NRW's lead advisor and Senior Investigative Officer . The post holder will personally oversee complex investigations, providing advice on direction and ensuring they thoroughly investigated. We are looking for an experienced individual who is capable of providing the relevant technical expertise and able to ensure the correct strategic direction of investigations, assessing compliance with key legal standards.

Driving is essential to this role as you will be expected to travel to locations across Wales where public transport will not always be practical or appropriate. 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 Ian Thomas at Interviews will take place week commencing 14 September 2026 through Microsoft Teams

About us The Central Enforcement Support Team provides a once for Wales function for NRW. This means that the team work across all areas and directorates delivering a range of activities from providing the organisations intelligence function, supporting the use of a broad range of legislation, delivering the Strategic Crime Assessment and providing an important link for NRW with a variety of partnerships in the wider law enforcement community.

This is an exciting time to join the team as we build its capacity and function, seeking to help develop and further professionalise the work done within NRW. What you will do Lead the development and continuous improvement of NRW's Senior Investigative Officer capability, procedures and professional standards. Interpret changes in legislation, guidance and investigative best practice and provide advice on their application across NRW.

Contribute to the development of enforcement strategy, policy and operational practice within NRW. Analyse and interpret complex evidential, legal and intelligence material to support decision making and ensure proportionate and effective investigation strategies. Influence internal and external stakeholders to secure effective investigation outcomes and promote best practice in enforcement and prosecution activities. Undertake research into emerging investigative techniques, legislation and enforcement methodologies to support continuous improvement and organisational learning.

Play a pivotal role in the development of the SIO capability of the organisation. Generating and managing training and development programmes for warranted staff. Support and mentor colleagues in the roles and functions of the SIO. 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. Degree level qualification in a relevant subject area, or equivalent knowledge and experience gained through significant investigative and enforcement practice.

Knowledge of key legislative regimes including PACE, CPIA
1996 and its Code of Practice, RIPA 2000, GDPR, and POCA, Government Security Classifications. Ability to communicate effectively with regulated business and the public and gaining support by influencing. Comfortable and competent in dealing with challenging situations and individuals.

Experience of enforcement sector. Strong organisational, time management and interpersonal skills. Extensive knowledge and experience of regulatory and enforcement processes. Coaching and mentoring skills. Welsh Language level requirements Essential:
Level A1 - Entry level Welsh language levels Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then 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 Due to the nature of the work the successful candidate must be eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance.

This generally requires five years' continuous residency in the UK. Further details on eligibility can be found on National security vetting: clearance levels -  . Offers will also be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under…