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

Job description

The Advisory Entomologist coordinates FR’s entomological contribution to the Tree Health and Advisory Service (THDAS) leading the response to enquiries that come through TreeAlert, email, telephone and letters, as well as samples from surveys.

The post-holder will  coordinate routine surveillance for species of interest and  maintain Pest Free Areas.  They will provide support to the Entomology Advisory & Monitoring Manager to develop novel surveillance programmes as new species of interest arise. They will contribute to the phytosanitary work involving intercepted material together with colleagues from the Forestry Commission. This may require rearing and maintaining insect cultures to identify causal pests, microscopy, and maintaining insect reference material, and molecular identification where necessary, including DNA barcoding and real-time PCR.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills to all stakeholder levels are needed as accurate dissemination of results and advice are a key of the job role.   

They will contribute to administrative tasks such as the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments, participating in and leading engagement activities, and collaborating on and developing research projects on forest pests. They will manage three members of staff within the team.

Key Work Areas: 

• Coordinate the entomological component of the THDAS, providing timely and expert advice to the woodland sector and policy customers and dealing with enquiries including those submitted via TreeAlert
• Conduct and supervise diagnoses in the laboratory and during site visits, including samples from port interceptions, Pest Free Area surveys and Tree Health surveys, through molecular and morphological means
• Support the Entomology Response Manager in dealing with new outbreaks of quarantine pests, including logistical support in the office and field, surveying potential outbreak sites and providing feedback to required organisations
• Develop research programmes in Tree Health as opportunities emerge, lead on writing grant applications and delivering projects
• Line manage staff and supervise students to deliver core projects and engage in training and developing other staff members
• Build and maintain networks within the UK and internationally to maintain awareness of developing threats and share advice & information
• Develop knowledge exchange materials (including web content, popular articles, briefing notes) and contribute to training events, workshops and Forest Health days.

Person specification

The Advisory Entomologist will coordinate FR’s entomological contribution to THDAS  and provide advice to the sector and policy customers as well as supporting monitoring and response to forest insects of interest. 

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject area (Biology, Ecology, Forestry, etc)
• Highly developed invertebrate identification skills and familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys
• An applied understanding of plant health issues and pest management
• Experience of in-field insect surveying and monitoring
• Experience of laboratory work in relation to invertebrates, including collection and handling of samples
• Experience of staff and/or project management
• Strong track record of disseminating complex information to stakeholders at all levels (e.g. governmental, landowners, general public)
• Familiarity with forests in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects, and including basic tree identification
• Electronic data management through use of spreadsheets and competent user of MS Office

A full current car driving licence (any proposal put forward by an applicant that would allow them to do the job by other means will be fairly considered)

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of molecular work including DNA barcoding
• Experience in curating entomological collections
• Use of GIS to interpret, record and present data
• Knowledge of the pesticide and biocontrol agent regulatory framework / relevant professional qualifications for their use
• Experience of fulfilling health and safety requirements in a fieldwork setting

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,485, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £10,120 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 will take place on 13th May 2024
Interviews are planned to take place on 20th May 2024

If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Managing a Quality Service.  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.