Environmental Support Officer – Welsh Essential
Wales, United Kingdom Part-time Posted 2 weeks ago
Vacancy title
Environmental Support Officer – Welsh Essential
Closing date
07/09/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
Starting salary will be £30,754
Salary range or pay band
EO £30,754 to £34,997
Allowances
Yes
Allowance
Other
Allowance
These posts may involve extensive travel across Wales. A flat-rate annual payment is available to compensate for the additional wear and tear on their vehicles incurred when travelling on business across rough terrain. The Rough Road allowance is £420 per annum, paid on a pro rata basis for part-time employees.
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Local Government, Housing, Rural Resilience & Sustainability Group
Directorate
Rural Resilience
Branch
Environmental Technical Support
Location (s)
North Wales
Main office base
Not Applicable
Purpose of post
Join Us and Help Shape the Future of Wales
Are you passionate about delivering excellent customer service and making a meaningful impact on the environment and communities across Wales? Rural Payments Wales (RPW) are recruiting enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join their high‑performing, well‑established teams.
RPW is the largest operational delivery division within the Welsh Government, supporting Wales’s rural economy and administering around £300 million of funding each year. Following the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (2026), this is an exciting moment to get involved in work that directly shapes the future of farming, sustainability and land management in Wales.
We are recruiting 1 Environmental Support Officer role, offering varied, rewarding work within a fast‑paced environment. With potentially more roles becoming available.
Join the Environmental Technical Support Team within Rural Payments Wales (RPW) and play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable farming in Wales. This is your chance to work directly with farmers, turning environmental ambition into real‑world impact through the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
You’ll spend time out on farms discovering opportunities to deliver genuine environmental benefits—spotting important habitats, identifying nature‑positive actions, and helping farmers unlock the full potential of the scheme’s Optional Layer.
Within RPW, you’ll be the trusted specialist colleagues turn to, providing expert insight, producing management plans, appraising applications, undertaking desk-based habitat assessments and advice that help keep Wales’ land, habitats, and rural communities thriving.
This is a rare, hands‑on role where you’ll make a visible difference—bringing the Sustainable Farming Scheme to life and helping deliver Wales’ ambitious Sustainable Land Management goals.
The post holder will work as part of a team alongside other Technical Support Officers across Wales and will be expected to travel regularly. A full, valid UK driving licence is essential, as the role may require visits to remote locations where access by public transport is limited or impractical.
Benefits Of Working With Us
We’re hosting an online information session where you can:
Online via Microsoft Teams on 20/08/2026 at 11:00 (English)
To secure your place at either of these events, please email: RPW.DivisionalReturns@gov.wales
Key tasks
Development opportunities
This role offers exceptional development opportunities, giving you the chance to sharpen your ability to make confident, evidence‑based decisions and deliver results at pace in a fast‑moving setting. You’ll grow your expertise in analysing complex information, juggling competing priorities, and communicating clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
Most importantly, you’ll be developing skills that make a real, tangible difference helping shape outcomes that support farmers, protect Wales’ natural environment, and strengthen rural communities across the country.
Full and ongoing training will be provided on all aspects of the role, including statutory regulations, scheme rules, report forms, and the mapping system.
This post offers valuable experience in delivering against the Programme for Government (PfG) and other ministerial commitments within a large operational delivery environment. The role spans several skills families within the Operational Delivery profession, primarily: Help and Advice and Case Ownership.
Rural Payments Wales (RPW) is the largest operational delivery team within the Welsh Government, and we’re proud to play a vital role in supporting Wales’ rural communities. When you join us, you become part of a fast‑paced, highly rewarding environment where your contribution genuinely makes a difference.
Why now?
There has never been a more exciting time to join RPW.
You’ll be working in well‑established processing teams at a pivotal moment, as we deliver a major transformation programme that supports both the Programme for Government and broader Welsh Government commitments — including the rollout of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
Your work will directly contribute to shaping the future of farming, sustainability and land management in Wales.
Your Development in Welsh Government
Role
We are committed to helping you develop and progress. These roles offer opportunities aligned with Welsh Government’s wider development approach and the Operational Delivery Profession (ODP):
Whether you're starting your career in public service, looking to develop new skills, or bringing experience from another organisation, RPW offers a welcoming environment where collaboration, continuous improvement and personal development are genuinely valued.
At RPW, you won’t just do a job — you’ll help shape the future of Wales.
Other vacancy related information
These are WELSH essential roles based in North Wales office. Candidates are required to apply in Welsh and Interviews will be conducted through the medium of Welsh.
Experience or relevant qualification in Ecology, Environmental Management, or Conservation alongside an understanding of agricultural practices. this will be assessed through Experience 1 at Stage 1 and 2 and via Technical 2.
The post holder will be required to travel regularly across Wales; therefore, it is essential that candidates have a full driving license, their own vehicle and ‘Business Use’ car insurance.
Environmental Support Officers require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain. They will work in close proximity to both small and large livestock (including sheep and cattle). The role requires a good level of physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
This post is located in North Wales.
All roles require office attendance at a minimum of two days per week for full time employees and 40% of working hours for part time employees. In addition to regular office presence, the postholder will support customer‑facing Digital Assistance appointments.
The successful candidate will be required to take part in on‑site training days, team meetings, and anchor days. These in‑person responsibilities are essential to maintaining continuity, visibility, and effective support across the team. They form a key part of how we deliver our service.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. Reserve candidates will be contacted if further identical or comparable roles become available.
Merit Order: In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the below list will determine the merit order in which candidate will be appointed. Highest score in the below merit order,
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
RPW.DivisionalReturns@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
1 - Welsh language skills are essential for this role. The skills required for this role are specified below. These skills will be assessed as part of the selection process. For further information on the Welsh language levels, please visit our website.
Understanding by reading
5 - Full understanding of all work related material
Speaking and being understood
5 - Fluent
Understanding by listening
5 - Can understand all work-related conversations
Writing and being understood
5 - Can prepare written material for all work-related matters
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
Behaviour 1
The selection process and stages are:
Making Effective Decisions
Analyse and research information to support decisions. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Behaviour 2
Delivering at Pace
Have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Behaviour 3
Communicating and Influencing
Handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Evidence to provide
Experience questions
Experience 1
Applicants should have experience or knowledge of land and habitat management to deliver environmental outcomes, alongside an understanding of agriculture. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Technical 1
You will be asked a technical question which will cover farming practices and their positive and negative impacts on habitats, species and the wider environment. (Evidence to be answered in Welsh)
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles on the Commission's website.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales . Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.
How To Apply
All applications for this vacancy must be made using our online application system.
Unless stated otherwise in the 'Other vacancy-related information for advert', the Welsh Government cannot offer Visa sponsorship. Welsh Government holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation which represents the diverse communities we serve. There are a number of Diversity networks that staff can participate in, which include the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network; Minority Ethnic Staff Network; Mind Matters (Mental health and well-being); PRISM (LGBTI+), Women Together and the Neurodivergence Network.
If you have an impairment which prevents you from applying online, please email our recruitment team. You can:
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes: When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.
Environmental Support Officer – Welsh Essential
Closing date
07/09/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
Starting salary will be £30,754
Salary range or pay band
EO £30,754 to £34,997
Allowances
Yes
Allowance
Other
Allowance
These posts may involve extensive travel across Wales. A flat-rate annual payment is available to compensate for the additional wear and tear on their vehicles incurred when travelling on business across rough terrain. The Rough Road allowance is £420 per annum, paid on a pro rata basis for part-time employees.
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Local Government, Housing, Rural Resilience & Sustainability Group
Directorate
Rural Resilience
Branch
Environmental Technical Support
Location (s)
North Wales
Main office base
Not Applicable
Purpose of post
Join Us and Help Shape the Future of Wales
Are you passionate about delivering excellent customer service and making a meaningful impact on the environment and communities across Wales? Rural Payments Wales (RPW) are recruiting enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join their high‑performing, well‑established teams.
RPW is the largest operational delivery division within the Welsh Government, supporting Wales’s rural economy and administering around £300 million of funding each year. Following the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (2026), this is an exciting moment to get involved in work that directly shapes the future of farming, sustainability and land management in Wales.
We are recruiting 1 Environmental Support Officer role, offering varied, rewarding work within a fast‑paced environment. With potentially more roles becoming available.
Join the Environmental Technical Support Team within Rural Payments Wales (RPW) and play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable farming in Wales. This is your chance to work directly with farmers, turning environmental ambition into real‑world impact through the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
You’ll spend time out on farms discovering opportunities to deliver genuine environmental benefits—spotting important habitats, identifying nature‑positive actions, and helping farmers unlock the full potential of the scheme’s Optional Layer.
Within RPW, you’ll be the trusted specialist colleagues turn to, providing expert insight, producing management plans, appraising applications, undertaking desk-based habitat assessments and advice that help keep Wales’ land, habitats, and rural communities thriving.
This is a rare, hands‑on role where you’ll make a visible difference—bringing the Sustainable Farming Scheme to life and helping deliver Wales’ ambitious Sustainable Land Management goals.
The post holder will work as part of a team alongside other Technical Support Officers across Wales and will be expected to travel regularly. A full, valid UK driving licence is essential, as the role may require visits to remote locations where access by public transport is limited or impractical.
Benefits Of Working With Us
- Competitive salary with annual pay progression.
- Generous pension scheme and secure employment within the Welsh Government.
- Hybrid and flexible working options, including flexi‑time and job‑share opportunities.
- Excellent annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
- A strong focus on wellbeing, including access to support services and staff networks.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Comprehensive training and development, including opportunities to progress your career.
We’re hosting an online information session where you can:
- Meet the teams
- Ask questions
- Explore what the roles involve
- Learn about development and progression opportunities
Online via Microsoft Teams on 20/08/2026 at 11:00 (English)
To secure your place at either of these events, please email: RPW.DivisionalReturns@gov.wales
Key tasks
- Undertake on farms assessments, identifying habitats, their management needs and other environmental opportunities that could be delivered.
- Produce management plans to support farmers in the delivery actions to achieve environmental outcomes. For example, improving biodiversity through improved habitat management, creating habitats and adjusting land management practises to protect environmental features e.g. Water courses.
- Map habitats and associated management actions onto RPW systems.
- Provide technical advice, guidance, and act as a point of contact for farmers to answer questions and resolve issues and problems relating to the Sustainable Farming Scheme, habitat management and other environmental matters.
- Analysis of complex information such as customer evidence in support of requests to change habitat management requirements, applications for funding or appeals to deliver value for money and ensure environmental outcomes are achieved.
- To undertake financial and technical due diligence in the development of management plans and on applications for grant funding.
- To provide accurate advice and recommendations to senior managers on technical environmental issues relating to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
- Ensure that IT systems are used effectively, records are maintained in accordance with the Welsh Government requirements.
- Managing your own work and prioritising cases in line with predetermined deadlines.
- Support the delivery of training on the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
- Ensuring Quality Standards are met in line with rules and requirements.
- Take care for the health and safety of yourself and others and to comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate.
- To assist with other divisional priorities when required.
Development opportunities
This role offers exceptional development opportunities, giving you the chance to sharpen your ability to make confident, evidence‑based decisions and deliver results at pace in a fast‑moving setting. You’ll grow your expertise in analysing complex information, juggling competing priorities, and communicating clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
Most importantly, you’ll be developing skills that make a real, tangible difference helping shape outcomes that support farmers, protect Wales’ natural environment, and strengthen rural communities across the country.
Full and ongoing training will be provided on all aspects of the role, including statutory regulations, scheme rules, report forms, and the mapping system.
This post offers valuable experience in delivering against the Programme for Government (PfG) and other ministerial commitments within a large operational delivery environment. The role spans several skills families within the Operational Delivery profession, primarily: Help and Advice and Case Ownership.
Rural Payments Wales (RPW) is the largest operational delivery team within the Welsh Government, and we’re proud to play a vital role in supporting Wales’ rural communities. When you join us, you become part of a fast‑paced, highly rewarding environment where your contribution genuinely makes a difference.
Why now?
There has never been a more exciting time to join RPW.
You’ll be working in well‑established processing teams at a pivotal moment, as we deliver a major transformation programme that supports both the Programme for Government and broader Welsh Government commitments — including the rollout of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
Your work will directly contribute to shaping the future of farming, sustainability and land management in Wales.
Your Development in Welsh Government
Role
We are committed to helping you develop and progress. These roles offer opportunities aligned with Welsh Government’s wider development approach and the Operational Delivery Profession (ODP):
- Leadership & Management Development – Opportunities to build your capability to lead, influence and support positive change across Welsh Government teams.
- Frontline Service Delivery Skills – Strengthening your ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) Framework – Welsh Government uses the ODP Professional Skills Framework to support career conversations, development planning and recruitment, helping you understand the skills and behaviours needed for progression.
- Structured Learning & Training – Access to Welsh Government’s internal learning offer, including governance, leadership, digital skills, and specialist operational training. Workshops, coaching and mentoring are also available to enhance your confidence and decision‑making.
- Short‑Term Experience Placements (STEP) – Opportunities to gain wider exposure across Welsh Government by undertaking short placements with other teams, helping broaden your skills and experience without leaving your current role.
Whether you're starting your career in public service, looking to develop new skills, or bringing experience from another organisation, RPW offers a welcoming environment where collaboration, continuous improvement and personal development are genuinely valued.
At RPW, you won’t just do a job — you’ll help shape the future of Wales.
Other vacancy related information
These are WELSH essential roles based in North Wales office. Candidates are required to apply in Welsh and Interviews will be conducted through the medium of Welsh.
Experience or relevant qualification in Ecology, Environmental Management, or Conservation alongside an understanding of agricultural practices. this will be assessed through Experience 1 at Stage 1 and 2 and via Technical 2.
The post holder will be required to travel regularly across Wales; therefore, it is essential that candidates have a full driving license, their own vehicle and ‘Business Use’ car insurance.
Environmental Support Officers require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain. They will work in close proximity to both small and large livestock (including sheep and cattle). The role requires a good level of physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
This post is located in North Wales.
All roles require office attendance at a minimum of two days per week for full time employees and 40% of working hours for part time employees. In addition to regular office presence, the postholder will support customer‑facing Digital Assistance appointments.
The successful candidate will be required to take part in on‑site training days, team meetings, and anchor days. These in‑person responsibilities are essential to maintaining continuity, visibility, and effective support across the team. They form a key part of how we deliver our service.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. Reserve candidates will be contacted if further identical or comparable roles become available.
Merit Order: In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the below list will determine the merit order in which candidate will be appointed. Highest score in the below merit order,
- Technical
- Experience 1
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating & Influencing
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
RPW.DivisionalReturns@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
1 - Welsh language skills are essential for this role. The skills required for this role are specified below. These skills will be assessed as part of the selection process. For further information on the Welsh language levels, please visit our website.
Understanding by reading
5 - Full understanding of all work related material
Speaking and being understood
5 - Fluent
Understanding by listening
5 - Can understand all work-related conversations
Writing and being understood
5 - Can prepare written material for all work-related matters
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
Behaviour 1
The selection process and stages are:
Making Effective Decisions
Analyse and research information to support decisions. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Behaviour 2
Delivering at Pace
Have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Behaviour 3
Communicating and Influencing
Handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Evidence to provide
Experience questions
Experience 1
Applicants should have experience or knowledge of land and habitat management to deliver environmental outcomes, alongside an understanding of agriculture. (Evidence to be submitted in Welsh)
Technical 1
You will be asked a technical question which will cover farming practices and their positive and negative impacts on habitats, species and the wider environment. (Evidence to be answered in Welsh)
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
- Civil Service Pension Scheme
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time)
- training and development opportunities
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Smart Working flexible working arrangement
- Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles on the Commission's website.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales . Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.
How To Apply
All applications for this vacancy must be made using our online application system.
Unless stated otherwise in the 'Other vacancy-related information for advert', the Welsh Government cannot offer Visa sponsorship. Welsh Government holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation which represents the diverse communities we serve. There are a number of Diversity networks that staff can participate in, which include the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network; Minority Ethnic Staff Network; Mind Matters (Mental health and well-being); PRISM (LGBTI+), Women Together and the Neurodivergence Network.
If you have an impairment which prevents you from applying online, please email our recruitment team. You can:
- request an application pack in an alternative format
- request a recruitment adjustment to help you submit your application
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes: When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.
