Research jobs in Occold

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 sits within the Forest Research Field Data Services (FDS) Technical Services Unit (TSU) which through a network of field stations provides a capacity to conduct field work across Great Britain. TSU establishes, maintains and assesses field experiments for the science centres within Forest Research and on behalf of other customers, Forestry Commission, Forestry and Land Scotland, Natural Resources Wales and other external clients. It also provides local contact and liaison between Forest Research (FR) and networks of regional Forestry Commission (FC) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) staff, partner organisations and private woodland owners and managers.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of Forest Research field programmes by undertaking environmental, plant health and crop surveys, establishing and assessing field experiments, and carrying out practical forestry operations. Working within a small team based at Santon Downham, the role involves collecting, ensuring work is completed to agreed standards, budgets and timescales, and assisting with contractor supervision and auditing. The position also includes the safe use of specialist equipment, pesticides and chainsaws, alongside regular collaboration with internal and external partners across a wide geographical area, requiring flexibility for travel and overnight stays.

Key Work Areas

Working with people:

• By regular contact with colleagues, communicate and encourage ideas for solutions to problems or improved working practices.
• Listen attentively to others, understand, respect and accept the value of different views, ideas and ways of working.
• Confidently handle challenging conversations or interviews.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Promote adherence to relevant policies, procedures, regulations and legislation, including equality and diversity and health and safety.
• There is a requirement to work as a lone worker as well as being able to work within a wider team.

Quality Assurance and Delivering the Work Programme:

• Manage and deliver the delegated work programme to ensure all work complies with Forest Research’s QA policy and systems.
• Produce accurate and professional work, applying cross checking methods to ensure accuracy.
• Plan and organise work programme as specified by line manager to complete tasks to meet deadlines. Make regular progress reports and draw attention to potential difficulties before they occur.
• Understand and apply technology to achieve efficient and effective business and personal results.
• Where required, work independently with autonomy.

Use of resources:

• Achieve efficient use of Field-Station resources in all areas of work through planning and efficient management.
• Carry out standard maintenance and report repair needs as required.
• Understand that all actions have a cost and choose the most effective way to do something in a resource efficient way.
• Take opportunities to challenge misuse of resources to achieve value for money and sustainable ways of working.

Essential Criteria

• Literacy Level 2 qualification (e.g. GCSE, NVQ, Key Skills, Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate, Scottish National Certificate level 5)* or equivalent experience
• Numeracy Level 2 qualification (e.g. GCSE, NVQ, Key Skills, Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate, Scottish National Certificate level 5)* or equivalent experience

• The qualification examples provided is not an exhaustive list.

• Demonstrable experience working outdoors in all weathers.
• Demonstrable work experience in forest and woodland management.
• Demonstrable experience of working safely whilst undertaking forest operations including competent use of forestry best practice FISA guides.
• Competent IT user with experience of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate both verbal and in writing.
• Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise work, make decisions and problem solve.
• Ability to work flexibly across a wide geographical area, staying away and altering working day pattern where necessary.

Please note that due to the nature of the role, we require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK.

This role will require regular weekly travel with overnight stays of up to 4 nights a week.

Desirable Criteria

• Experienced chainsaw operator able to safely fell trees up to 760mm diameter.
• Experienced pesticide user able to safely apply pesticides using knapsack sprayers.
• Experienced strimmer / brush cutter / clearing saw operator able to safely use these machines for mechanical weeding and cleaning.
• Experience of GIS applications.
• Experience of driving 4WD vehicles.
• Experience of trailer towing.

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

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 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• 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 of 28.97% 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/.

Job contact :

• Name : HR Services
• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk