About the job

Job summary

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research?  Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

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 natural environment.  With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage - Forest Research

The FR Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the health, functioning and value of Britain's trees woods and forests.  In particular it leads FR's research into biosecurity threats, ecosystem robustness and resilience, land use and ecosystem services, and the way in which society values trees. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged and the Centre provides a stimulating environment for scientists with professional training in plant pathology, entomology, soils and hydrology, ecology, social science, economics, statistics and spatial analysis.

Job description

The Tree Health group provides scientific support and advice on tree pests and diseases for the forest industry and a wide range of other land managers and stakeholders, and the general public. Currently, the entomology team is working to eradicate outbreaks of the quarantine eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in Kent and East Sussex, and is developing a dedicated group within the team to improve our surveillance, monitoring and eradication procedures for this significant pest.

Within this group we are seeking appoint a full-time Research Assistant. The post-holder will provide laboratory and field support for the management group, carrying out the laboratory work for the beetle trapping programme, assisting field staff, and managing the data from the programme. Samples are collected on a weekly basis with insects sorted and key taxa (bark beetles in particular, but also other indicator groups) identified using taxonomic keys and by comparison with reference material; as such some experience with insect identification is essential. Fieldwork will be a minor part of the roles, but the post-holders will be expected to help with trap installation and surveys through the year. The posts also require experience of using spreadsheets and the production of summary reports.

As well as working to manage an outbreak as part of the group, there will be opportunities to engage with other projects that the entomology team are working on. Training to identify target groups and species will be provided, as will relevant field and Health and Safety training.

Key Work Areas:

1. Collect and process trap samples, record and identify bark beetles and produce weekly interim reports
2. Liaise with field staff to ensure that beetle traps are emptied and recharged every week
3. Prepare trapping materials and deliver to drop off & collection points
4. Ensure traps are kept in good condition, are cleaned and repaired as necessary, and are collected in and stored at the end of the season
5. Be responsible for managing the data that arises from the programme and assist with final reports, other laboratory work and field surveys as necessary

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of laboratory and field work in relation to invertebrates, including collection and handling of samples
• Invertebrate identification skills and familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys
• Electronic data management through use of spread-sheets and competent user of MS Office
• We require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. We will consider any proposals that would allow applicants to do the job by other means

Desirable Criteria:

• Familiarity with forests and other land uses in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects
• Experience of insect surveying/monitoring

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £26,534, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £7,164 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sift Date:            
Interview Date:   

If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Delivering at Pace.  However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all 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.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). 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.