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: 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.

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

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.

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.

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