ID 4027
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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.
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Vacancy details
Vacancy title
Field Officer (Rural Inspectorate Wales) - Welsh Essential
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Closing date
07/09/2026, 16:00
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Advertising basis
Permanent
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Actual starting salary
Starting salary will be £30,754
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Salary range or pay band
EO £30,754 to £34,997
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Allowances
Yes
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Allowance
Other
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Allowance
This post involves extensive travel across Wales. An allowance of £1,000 per year is available if you use your own car and cover more than 2,000 statutory miles per year. A valid driving licence and motor insurance is required. A flat-rate annual payment is available to Field Officers to compensate for the additional wear and tear on their vehicles incurred when travelling on business across rough terrain. The Rough Road allowance is £600 per annum, paid on a pro rata basis for part-time employees.
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Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
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Group
Local Government, Housing, Rural Resilience & Sustainability Group
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Directorate
Rural Resilience
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Branch
Rural Inspectorate Wales
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Location (s)
North Wales
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Main office base
Other
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Specific Location
Llandudno or Caernarfon
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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 in 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. As we approach 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 one Field Officer role, offering varied, rewarding work within a fast‑paced environment. With potentially more roles becoming available.
The Rural Inspectorate Wales (RIW) is responsible for ensuring compliance with Assimilated Law and other domestic directives and regulations through the completion of a programme of ‘on-the-spot’ (OTSC) controls for schemes administered by Rural Payments Wales (RPW).
This is a physically demanding but rewarding role involving on-site visits to project locations and farms to inspect land, livestock, capital works, and more, often with minimal notice. You will be required to accurately record inspection results using IT systems, capturing sufficient evidence to clearly demonstrate findings, including any breaches of scheme rules. This is a target-oriented post that requires working to set deadlines.
This is an exciting opportunity dealing with a wide range of cases and will develop skills in dealing effectively and efficiently with internal and external customers while maintaining excellent customer service.
The post holders will work as part of a team alongside other inspectors 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.
Want to Learn More?
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 10:00 (Welsh)
Online via Microsoft Teams on 20/08/2026 at 11:00 (English)
To secure your place at either of these events, please email: [email protected]
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Key tasks
Contacting claimants to arrange inspection visits (OTSC).
Visiting farms to inspect livestock and/or land parcels (fields) and/or project premises to inspect project outputs and outcome against scheme specific criteria. This also includes in-situ visits.
Assessing livestock, forage graze-ability and habitat maintenance.
Assessing the information against scheme rules and statutory regulations.
Checking farm and projects records and supporting documentation.
Managing your own work and prioritising cases in line with predetermined deadlines.
Record findings in a factual and evidence-based manner on paper and electronic report forms.
Prepare and record detailed inspection case work for input into appropriate internal ICT systems.
Capture land parcel changes and crop code anomalies on the RPW mapping system.
Undertake associated administrative duties.
To assist with divisional priorities when required
Farm inspections require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Inspectors will work in close proximity to both small and large livestock (including sheep and cattle) and may be required to undertake some physical interaction with animals.
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Development opportunities
This inspector role offers a unique opportunity to spend significant time on farms and project premises, engaging directly with the farming and rural community in a variety of environments.
Full and ongoing training will be provided on all aspects of the role, including statutory regulations, scheme rules, report forms, and the mapping system.
These posts offer valuable experience in delivering against the Programme for Government (PfG) and other ministerial commitments within a large operational delivery environment. The roles span several skills families within the Operational Delivery profession, primarily: Help and Advice, Case Ownership, and Control and Enforcement.
This is an exciting opportunity and will develop your skills of dealing effectively and efficiently with internal and external customers whilst maintaining an excellent customer service
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, 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 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
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.
A Supportive Environment Where You Can Thrive
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.
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Other vacancy related information
These are WELSH essential roles based in North Wales office of Llandudno Junction or Caernarfon. Candidates are required to apply in Welsh and Interviews will be conducted through the medium of Welsh
A background in, and understanding of, the agricultural sector this will be assessed through Experience 1 at Stage 1 and 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.
Farm inspections require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Inspectors will work in close proximity to both small and large livestock (including sheep and cattle) and may be required to undertake some physical interaction with animals.
Each successful candidate will be required to take part in on‑site training days, team meetings, and anchor days and regularly attend the office. 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,
Experience 1
Making Effective Decisions
Communicating & Influencing
Delivering at Pace
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Vetting level
Basic
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Number of posts
1
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Contact point for further information regarding the post
[email protected]
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