Lead Specialist Officer, Marine Licensing

The role

As a Lead Specialist Permitting Officer, you’ll be one of the most senior members of NRW’s Marine Licensing Team, responsible for assessing some of the most complex and high-profile marine licence applications.

You'll carry out detailed technical assessments, consult with experts, and ensure decisions are robust, defensible, and well-documented. You may also act as an expert witness in public inquiries, supporting evidence-based, transparent regulation.

This is a busy, desk-based role where you’ll manage multiple cases simultaneously—balancing deadlines, problem-solving, and applying risk-based decision making under tight statutory timescales. You'll also play a key role in mentoring and supporting the wider team, helping to maintain high technical standards in marine permitting.

If you're looking for a role that combines deep technical challenge, environmental impact, and leadership—this is it.

About us

As the principal environmental regulator for Wales, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) plays a critical role in protecting, maintaining, and enhancing our natural resources—helping ensure a healthy environment for people and wildlife, now and in the future.

Our Permitting Service is central to this mission. By robustly assessing applications for a wide range of regulated activities, we reduce environmental risks, support sustainable economic growth, and promote responsible behaviour across Wales.

Though small in size, our department has a broad reach, made up of eight expert teams working collaboratively to share knowledge and drive best practice:

• Water Resources
• Water Quality
• Waste
• Installations & Radioactive Substances
• Marine Licensing
• Species LicensingForestry
• Permit Delivery

Your role will sit within the Marine Licensing Team, where you'll help regulate some of the most complex and environmentally significant activities taking place in Welsh waters.