Forest Experimental Scientist Forestry Commission - Forest Research
Apply here before 11:55 pm on Sunday 8th January 2023
Details
Reference number: 254876
Salary: £35,870 - £38,842. Appointments to Forest Research are made at the entry level of the salary quoted above except in exceptional circumstances where a candidate's experience and skills may justify a higher starting salary. New entrants to the civil service will be expected to start on the minimum of the pay-band. Normal pay on transfer rules apply for existing civil servants.
Job grade: Higher Executive Officer; Pay Band 4
Contract type: Fixed Term
Length of employment: This is a Fixed Term Appointment until end March 2025 (regardless of start
date) with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.
Business area: FR - Forest Protection
Type of role: Environment and Sustainability Science
Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time
Location
The role will be based in Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY with blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job summary
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances.
The role will be based in Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY with blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job summary
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances.
Applicants will be selected on Experience/Technical skills and behaviour
You will be asked to complete a personal statement and a CV on-line to set out how you consider your skills, qualities and experience match the requirements as detailed in the advert
This is one of a number of new roles, following our success in securing funding through the Nature for Climate Fund (NCF), managed by Defra. The NCF supports a range of diverse research projects from climate to biodiversity, aimed at significantly increasing our knowledge around woodland planting and management, helping to plant the right trees in the right place for the right reason, and so benefitting our society and the natural environment.
So whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk.
The Forest Genetics science group contributes to our understanding of forest genetic resources and tree breeding. Genetic diversity is a key factor in the resilience of our forests and our research informs and underpins policy on the conservation of forest genetic resources.
Job description
FR is embarking on an exciting and ambitious project with the objectives of identifying ‘research forest’ locations and delivering the strategic infrastructure. This will allow for the establishment of a new generation of field experimental trials, contributing towards ‘Climate Smart Forestry’. There is an essential requirement to evaluate both silvicultural factors, such as tree spacing and genetic diversity,
in native and non-native tree provenances and species, to understand how these can be optimised and deployed. This knowledge is required to underpin the establishment of new resilient forests which create, maintain, and improve delivery of timber, social, environmental, and economic benefits to society.
With funding from DEFRA’s Nature for Climate Fund (NCF), FR will embark on the establishment of five new research forests in England. Research forest locations will be chosen to establish a network of new, replicated, multi-purpose experiments. These experiments will gather evidence to support decision-making about woodland establishment under environmental change. In line with recommendations from an established project scientific committee, the postholder will develop methods to identify priority species and salient sampling populations for genetic characterisation.
The postholder will also lead delivery of FRs participation in large scale EU funded projects, specifically OptFORESTS, which FR is participating in as an external partner, with NCF funding. OptFORESTS is a new EU Horizon 2020 project that aims to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Europe. A particular objective of OptFORESTS is to establish range wide trials exploring variation among and within keystone forest tree species. By working domestically and internationally, the postholder will be expected to implement a new vision for the next
generation of field experimental trials that integrates conservation, characterisation, improvement, and use of forest genetic resources.
The post holder will support the Head of Forest Genetics through undertaking research and investigative work, providing recommendations and solutions to the wider project groups.
Key Work Areas
This is one of a number of new roles, following our success in securing funding through the Nature for Climate Fund (NCF), managed by Defra. The NCF supports a range of diverse research projects from climate to biodiversity, aimed at significantly increasing our knowledge around woodland planting and management, helping to plant the right trees in the right place for the right reason, and so benefitting our society and the natural environment.
So whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk.
The Forest Genetics science group contributes to our understanding of forest genetic resources and tree breeding. Genetic diversity is a key factor in the resilience of our forests and our research informs and underpins policy on the conservation of forest genetic resources.
Job description
FR is embarking on an exciting and ambitious project with the objectives of identifying ‘research forest’ locations and delivering the strategic infrastructure. This will allow for the establishment of a new generation of field experimental trials, contributing towards ‘Climate Smart Forestry’. There is an essential requirement to evaluate both silvicultural factors, such as tree spacing and genetic diversity,
in native and non-native tree provenances and species, to understand how these can be optimised and deployed. This knowledge is required to underpin the establishment of new resilient forests which create, maintain, and improve delivery of timber, social, environmental, and economic benefits to society.
With funding from DEFRA’s Nature for Climate Fund (NCF), FR will embark on the establishment of five new research forests in England. Research forest locations will be chosen to establish a network of new, replicated, multi-purpose experiments. These experiments will gather evidence to support decision-making about woodland establishment under environmental change. In line with recommendations from an established project scientific committee, the postholder will develop methods to identify priority species and salient sampling populations for genetic characterisation.
The postholder will also lead delivery of FRs participation in large scale EU funded projects, specifically OptFORESTS, which FR is participating in as an external partner, with NCF funding. OptFORESTS is a new EU Horizon 2020 project that aims to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Europe. A particular objective of OptFORESTS is to establish range wide trials exploring variation among and within keystone forest tree species. By working domestically and internationally, the postholder will be expected to implement a new vision for the next
generation of field experimental trials that integrates conservation, characterisation, improvement, and use of forest genetic resources.
The post holder will support the Head of Forest Genetics through undertaking research and investigative work, providing recommendations and solutions to the wider project groups.
Key Work Areas
- Have a central role from the start-up phase of the NCF Research Forests project which will involve defining strategies to improve the characterisation of various trees, appropriate selection of species/provenance/ species and provenance combinations and trial sites, experimental designs, silvicultural treatments, and sampling methodologies, with a view to establishing a network of research forests.
- Represent FR in the OptFORESTS project by contributing to co-ordination meetings with European collaborators and stakeholders, implementing recommendations of the OptFORESTS steering committee and meeting the scientific objectives of the project. Work with external partners to set targets and identify suitable sites for registration as Gene Conservation Units in the EUFGIS system of the EUFORGEN programme. Plan and conduct site visits where required to offer expert advice.
- Undertake the interpretation of field data and environmental datasets and lead the writing of scientific and technical publications as well as research proposals. Participate in knowledge exchange by presenting research results to audiences with various levels of technical expertise and represent FR at meetings. Provide scientific support to the Head of Forest Genetics and the NCF Research Forests Project Manager
- A degree in applied biological, environmental science or equivalent experience
- Proficiency in a programming language for statistical analyses (ideally R).
- Demonstrable skills in handling spatial and environmental data, and knowledge of field experimental design
- Demonstrable track record of quality scientific outputs commensurate with career stage.
- Demonstrable experience of contribution to international collaborative research projects in applied biological/environmental science
- Well-developed skills in communicating with a mixed audience, from policy makers to end-users
- A full driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK. We will also consider any other proposals that would allow applicants to do the job by other means.
Desirable Criteria
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Working Together
Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Working Together
- Knowledge of silvicultural/forest management practice in the UK
- Understanding of population and quantitative genetics and their application in forestry or agriculture
- Experience in designing and executing large-scale biological sampling campaigns
- Experience of designing, setting up and evaluating field trials of plants
- Project management experience
- Experience of bidding for research contracts
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Working Together
Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Working Together
Benefits
Your career
Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all access to world class
laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days per year, rising to 30 days after 5 years (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
Wellbeing support and staff networks and including Mental Health First Aiders, Rainbow Canopy (LGBTQ+) and an Employee Assistance Programme
We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
Your benefits
A highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions are up to 26% of your salary
an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Applicants will be selected on Experience/Technical skills and behaviour
You will be asked to complete a personal statement and a CV on-line to set out how you consider your skills, qualities and experience match the requirements as detailed in the advert
Sift date is: 17th January 2023
Interview date is: 24th or 25th January 2023
We will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and single behaviour titled ‘Working Together’. If additional behaviours are listed, candidates will be expected to answer questions on these behaviours at
the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security: Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Name :HR Services
Email :hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Recruitment team :
Email :hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Your career
Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all access to world class
laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days per year, rising to 30 days after 5 years (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
Wellbeing support and staff networks and including Mental Health First Aiders, Rainbow Canopy (LGBTQ+) and an Employee Assistance Programme
We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
Your benefits
A highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions are up to 26% of your salary
an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Applicants will be selected on Experience/Technical skills and behaviour
You will be asked to complete a personal statement and a CV on-line to set out how you consider your skills, qualities and experience match the requirements as detailed in the advert
Sift date is: 17th January 2023
Interview date is: 24th or 25th January 2023
We will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and single behaviour titled ‘Working Together’. If additional behaviours are listed, candidates will be expected to answer questions on these behaviours at
the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security: Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Name :HR Services
Email :hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Recruitment team :
Email :hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment
Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment
Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
