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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
Environmental Support Officer
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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
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.
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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
Environmental Technical Support
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Location (s)
Mid Wales, South East Wales, South West Wales
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Main office base
Not Applicable
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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 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 2 Environmental Support Officer roles, each 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 holders 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.
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 13:00 (Welsh)
Online via Microsoft Teams on 20/08/2026 at 14:00 (English)
To secure your place at either of these events, please email: [email protected]
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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.
On farm assessments require individuals to walk considerable distances across uneven and sometimes challenging terrain in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Individuals 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 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.
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 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
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
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 Technical at Stage 2 (interview)
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 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.
These posts are located in the following Locations,
Mid Wales
South 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, all successful postholders will support customer‑facing Digital Assistance appointments.
Each 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 need to specify their preferred location at application. 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, and which candidate will be appointed. Please note that posts will be offered based on the applicant’s nearest location, which will be confirmed at the application stage. Each location will maintain its own reserve list, created using the weighted criteria outlined below,
Technical
Experience 1
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace
Communicating & Influencing
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Vetting level
Basic
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Number of posts
2
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Contact point for further information regarding the post
[email protected]
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