Natural Resources Wales
Environmental
Pan-Wales
Shape a Greener Future and Start Your Career with Purpose
At Natural Resources Wales (NRW), we’re responsible for looking after Wales’ natural resources and environment for the benefit of people and nature, now and in the future.
From tackling the climate and nature emergencies to supporting sustainable communities and protecting our air, land and water, our work has a real, lasting impact. Our teams bring expertise, innovation, and passion to help make Wales more resilient, sustainable and biodiverse.
Graduate Programme Relaunch – Coming 2026
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our Graduate Programme in 2026: a unique opportunity to start and grow your career while contributing to a healthier, greener Wales.
If you’re passionate about climate action, sustainability and creating meaningful change, this is your chance to join NRW and help shape the Wales of tomorrow.
As a graduate, you’ll be supported by expert mentors, gain practical, hands-on experience across key areas of the organisation, and help deliver our shared mission of tackling the climate, nature, and pollution emergencies.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: January 2026
- Programme Start Date: September 2026
Full details, including specific roles, locations, recruitment process, and application guidance, will be available closer to launch.
Want to be the first to hear when applications go live? Register your interest here!
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for ambitious graduates who want to make a real difference. We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including (but not limited to):
- Environmental Science
- Ecology / Biology
- Geography
- Forestry / Land Management
- Engineering
- Environmental Law / Policy
- IT / Data Science
- Finance
Whether you’re in your final year of university or recently graduated, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer You
- Structured Development: Up to two-year placements across the organisation with potential rotations within teams and departments, giving you broad exposure and hands-on experience.
- Meaningful Work: Every project contributes directly to the health, resilience and sustainability of Wales’ natural resources, helping us deliver on our mission of nature and people thriving together
- Supportive Environment: Be part of an inclusive, values-driven organisation that prioritises your wellbeing, learning and personal growth.
- Learning & Mentorship: Access to tailored training through our online learning platform, professional development opportunities and mentors to guide you through your journey.
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: Starting salary of £32,544, plus a generous benefits package including 30 days annual leave (plus public holidays), hybrid and flexible working, wellbeing and mental health support, and civil service pension scheme. View full staff benefits
- Living Our Values: We’re proud to live by the values of Connected, Bold, Caring, and Resourceful. These guide our actions and shape the way we work together to deliver for Wales. Explore our values
Hear from Our Graduates
“The support provided has been invaluable for opportunities both internally and externally and has been hugely beneficial towards a continued career in the environmental sector. Allowing us to take ownership of our work by attending external stakeholder meetings and carrying out additional pieces of work to help broaden our knowledge of the sector.”
— Placement graduate
“The placement has been an excellent opportunity to have the freedom to experience a variety of different work areas that I might not have otherwise experienced if tethered to a traditional role, for example in gaining experience in policy whilst working in operations.”
— Placement graduate
Register Your Interest
Want to be the first to hear when applications go live? Sign up here for updates!
