Field Research Officers x2

Job summary

Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry practitioners, land managers and anyone with green space, UK-wide. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and ways of safeguarding those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.

The Centre for Inventory, Forecasting and Operational Support (IFOS) at Forest Research have been involved in mapping and field data collection solutions for over 20 years. IFOS provides practical software and data solutions to help our customers manage information about their woodland resource in a pragmatic and integrated way. We also provide information, evidence and official statistics on the woodland resource in GB. We do this by blending GIS, Data Science, Statistics, Mapping and Forestry skills providing analysis, modelling and data processing solutions to answer the questions and queries posed to us.

Job description

Field Data Services provide reliable, timely and high-quality field data services to support scientific evidence and sustainable tree, wood and forest management. We deliver this through a resilient network of highly trained professional staff and associates. Our services include, but are not limited to, field data collection, sample collection, field experiment maintenance, field QA, plant supply, training and advice, drone operations and terrestrial laser scanning. Staff are located throughout England, Scotland, and Wales and offer a GB-wide service.

The Field Research Officers will be part of the field team. We have two roles: one based at Newton near Elgin, and the other at Bush Estate near Roslin. You will work closely with the Field Station Manager to support and manage business processes to allow the field teams to deliver their work on the ground. You will ensure that safety is maintained, a quality service is delivered, and the allocated budget is closely managed, in line with policies and procedures. You will work closely with colleagues to deliver our full experimental and survey programme.

As well as being called on to carry out monitoring and quality assurance activities within the team and contractors, you will also work closely with the wider business to support and promote strategic objectives. The job involves working with partners both internal and external to FR across a wide geographical area and so will require flexibility in terms of staying away overnight and working day pattern. The role will comprise a mixture of desk and field-based activities, with the expectation that you will work alongside Research Workers to deliver experimental projects set up in the field as well as desk-based activities.

Key Work Areas

Working with People:
• Provide leadership and management of a team of Research Workers providing effective motivation, support and forward job planning
• Coach, mentor and develop team members
• Act as local coordinator for work programme, working with Field Data Services Managers to develop and maintain lines of communication with scientists, project leads and other customers
• Develop and maintain good working relationships to ensure effective communication with colleagues and stakeholders including landowners and contractors
• Monitor and ensure that high standards of health, safety & wellbeing are implemented and maintained both within the team and by contractors, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance
• Assist with the procurement and delivery of contract work / services where required to support delivery of the allocated work programme

Quality Assurance and Delivering the Work Programme:
• Carry out regular quality assurance on field work, processes and data
• Responsible for ensuring local field station is fully compliant with Forest Research’s health and safety, quality assurance (QA), ISO14001 environmental management standards, and other applicable legislation
• Liaise with the Field Data Services Managers to ensure accurate monitoring and reporting of the allocated work programme
• Take responsibility for the management of projects
• Manage allocated budgets and deliver best value for money
• Lead in experiment establishment, surveys, maintenance and assessment/data collection for the allocated work programme

Use of resources:
• Ensure effective use of and maintenance of equipment
• Procure goods and services in line with Forest Research guidance
• Identify opportunities to increase our value for money and increase income
• Assist in the development and improvement of protocols and procedures and the use of technology

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Degree or equivalent qualification/experience in Forestry, Environmental Science or other related discipline or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Experience of planning and managing forest maintenance and management, including a good understanding of health and safety requirements
• Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise work, make decisions and problem solve
• Good understanding of contract management principles
• Experience of leading a team and providing support to staff
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience of team working
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Competent IT user with experience of the Microsoft Office suite

Please note that this role involves working across a wide geographical area, regularly staying away overnight and altering working day pattern.

Desirable Criteria:

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• Understanding of budgetary control and reporting
• Proven ability to manage competing demands and prioritise workloads
• Some experience in Project Management
• Some experience in the use of GIS
• Customer liaison experience
• Either hold, or be working towards professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters
• Experience working within research experiments

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,854, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £9,807 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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