Scientist Entomology- Ips Field Officer

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.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a fast-paced team working at the forefront of forest pest research and dealing with an emerging pest of forestry in the UK. You will be part of a wider network of internal and external teams working toward management Ips typographus, where your work will influence policy and management strategies. All within a vibrant and growing entomology group with diverse interests and aims. You will be interacting with several different stakeholders and gain unique insights into forestry operations and policy, while collecting and analysing data for evidence-based recommendations.

Job description

The Centre for Tree Health – Forest Protection applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the health, functioning and value of Britain's trees woods and forests. 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.
The Tree Health group at FR's Alice Holt Research Station provides scientific support and advice on tree pests and diseases for the forest industry and a wide range of other land managers, stakeholders and the public.

The Ips management team leads on Ips eradication, surveillance and monitoring in England. Performing vital roles in sample processing and analysis of pheromone trapping data, in-field Ips surveys, and further research into Ips typographus biology and distribution. We are a crucial conduit between research and policy, providing FC and Defra with evidence-based advice to ensure the effective surveillance, management and eradication of Ips typographus in England.

Working closely with the Ips management team and Head of Entomology, the Ips Field Officer will be responsible for supporting the running of Ips pheromone trapping networks including the analysis of samples, procurement, resources management and staff management. A large part of the role will be coordinating and performing in-field surveys for Ips across England, interacting with internal and external shareholders to facilitate Ips monitoring, detection, and eradication. The post-holder will engage in other field-based work throughout the year (setting up eradication traps, trap decommissioning etc.) and assist with processing trap samples and identifying insects (bark beetles and other tree-associated species). The role will cover a substantial geographic area with a requirement for regular travel. Fieldwork is a significant component of this role and there will be the need for many nights away throughout the year, particularly during the field season and pre-season trap set-up. The Ips Field Officer will also support colleagues in the Forestry Commission and Defra in the wider Ips Incident Management Team to achieve the overall goals of the programme.

• Lead on surveying for Ips typographus throughout the year, responding to surveillance outputs, with regular travel to sites to perform surveys
• Work with the rest of the group to ensure trap samples are processed and insects identified within agrees time frames and maintain quality assurance
• Lead on fieldwork logistics, including obtaining site permissions, site access and liaising with landowners
• Assist with data management and collection, reports, and other laboratory work and field surveys as necessary
• Manage the Health and Safety of the group including training, equipment requirements, and risk assessments
• Support other relevant research projects working on Ips typographus within the team

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in an appropriate subject area (Biology, Ecology, Forestry, etc.) or equivalent experience
• Experience of leading in-field insect surveying and monitoring
• Experience of laboratory 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 spreadsheets and competent user of MS Office
• Experience of disseminating information to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with forests in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects, and including basic tree identification

Please note:

• Due to the nature of the role, a full driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK is required
• You must be willing and able to travel extensively and stay away from home over night on a very regular basis

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.

• Use of GIS to interpret, record and present data
• Experience of managing staff through the line management system
• An understanding of plant health issues and pest management
• Experience of fulfilling health and safety requirements in a fieldwork setting

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
• Managing a Quality Service

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

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 on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2