Marine Biodiversity & Infrastructure Officer – Welsh Government

The Marine Biodiversity Branch is seeking a highly motivated professional to help balance the protection of Wales’ world-class marine environments with the urgent expansion of offshore renewable energy. With 69% of Welsh inshore waters designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), this role is central to achieving Net Zero goals while meeting Global Biodiversity Framework commitments (the “30×30” target). If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for marine conservation and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Welsh seas.

About the Role

As a Marine Biodiversity & Infrastructure Officer, you will be the primary link between biodiversity conservation and the consenting process for major infrastructure. You will work to expedite the deployment of offshore wind through the Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package (OWIEP) while ensuring that any environmental impacts are addressed through robust compensatory measures. This role requires high-level engagement with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), UK Government departments (Defra, DESNZ), and industry leaders like The Crown Estate. You will ensure that the coherence and resilience of the MPA network are maintained even as spatial demands on our seas increase.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Liaison: Lead engagement with NRW, JNCC, and UK Government to identify and secure compensation measures that allow infrastructure projects to proceed without net loss to biodiversity.
Consenting Acceleration: Collaborate with Marine Planning and Licensing teams to deliver derogations and compensatory habitat requirements, speeding up the development of ports, flood defenses, and offshore wind.
National Representation: Represent Wales at high-profile forums and expert groups, such as the Collaboration on Offshore Wind Strategic Compensation (COWSC).
Ministerial Briefing: Provide expert advice and briefings to Cabinet Secretaries, Welsh Ministers, and Special Advisors on compensatory habitat strategies.
Legal & Designation Support: Work with legal teams to ensure newly created or restored compensatory habitats are officially designated within the MPA network.
Program Delivery: Support the UK Marine Strategy and Welsh Minister commitments to OSPAR, ensuring Wales meets its international environmental obligations.

Requirements & Skills (Person Specification)

Interpersonal & Influencing Skills: Ability to lead strategic engagement across diverse government divisions (Energy, Fisheries, Transport) and with external stakeholders.
Autonomy & Motivation: Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects to meet strict government deadlines.
Environmental Policy Expertise: A strong understanding of marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and the regulatory frameworks governing offshore renewables.
Analytical Evaluation: Ability to assess the effectiveness of proposed compensatory measures at a national level.
Resilience: Comfortable working in a high-pressure environment with regular interaction at the Ministerial level.

Why Join the Marine Biodiversity Branch?

Environmental Impact: Play a direct role in tackling the climate emergency and protecting habitats of international importance.
High-Level Exposure: Gain experience working with senior government leaders and contributing to the Programme for Government.
Collaborative Culture: Work within a supportive team dedicated to sharing expertise and achieving “Good Environmental Status” for Welsh waters.
Professional Growth: Opportunity to represent Wales on the UK stage and lead on innovative conservation strategies like the Marine Recovery Fund.

To apply for this job please visit restless.co.uk.