Marine Water Quality Lead Advisor

Marine Water Quality Lead Advisor

Role : 204012

Location: Flexible

Grade/Salary range: 7: £47,055 - £52,770

Working pattern: Full time

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 12/04/2026

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.
• Offering strategic, high-level input on water quality to influence major plans and projects led by external organisations.

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.

Interviews will take place week commencing 27 April 2026 through Microsoft Teams.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Natural Resources Wales welcomes applications from non-UK citizens who are eligible to apply under this route, subject to confirmation by the Home Office.

Please note that while we may be able to support the Certificate of Sponsorship required for a visa application, the organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants.

The applicant must still meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirement. For further information, please visit:

This role is in our Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Team – a multi-disciplinary group of specialists passionate about protecting and enhancing Wales’s marine and coastal environments. We provide expert technical advice across a wide range of topics, supporting both internal colleagues and external partners on strategic policies, programmes, plans, and guidance. You will work alongside other lead specialists in the team who advise on coastal habitats, marine habitats, marine mammals, maritime birds, marine and coastal physical processes and fish and you will also work closely with staff in the Sustainable Water and Nature Group and in Operations.

• 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…