forest school leader jobs

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.

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 planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit forestresearch.gov.uk.

The Centre for Inventory, Forecasting and Operational Support (IFOS) at Forest Research has 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.

Field Data Services (FDS) 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 Station Manager role will be part of the field teams. This role is integral to the smooth operating of our Scottish field team. You will work closely with the other Field Station Manager’s, the Field Research Officers, and the Field Data Services Programme and Operations Lead’s 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.

A key part of your role will be direct line management of our Scottish team, which comprises of nine members of staff. You will also be central to managing relationships between FDS, senior management, the FR Science Centres as well as key stakeholders in Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry.

The job involves working with partners both internal and external to Forest Research (FR) across a wide geographical area and will require flexibility in terms of regularly staying away overnight and working day pattern.

Key Work Areas:

Strategic Planning & Growth
• Collaborate with Project Leaders and external clients during the annual business planning cycle to develop costed work programmes.
• Identify opportunities for new work and assess requirements for equipment, infrastructure, and skills to support growth.
• Prepare business cases for new facilities investment and assist with delivering agreed investment plans.
Programme & Budget Management
• Manage agreed budgets and work programmes to deliver a cost-effective, high-quality service that meets customer needs.
• Oversee procurement and delivery of contract work to support programme objectives.
• Seek opportunities to increase value for money and generate additional income.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Maintain strong networks within FR and with key partners such as Scottish Forestry, Forestry and Land Scotland, and other external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with scientists, project leads, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Provide clear and timely status reports on projects, experiments, and wider programmes to Programme Leads, management teams, and relevant stakeholders.
Compliance & Standards
• Ensure all activities comply with health and safety standards, quality assurance processes, ISO14001 environmental management requirements, and applicable legislation.
Resource & Team Coordination
• Work closely with the Programme Lead and Field Station Managers to optimise resources and standardise service delivery across the team.
Operational Support
• Assist the Field Research Officer in ensuring effective use and maintenance of equipment.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree or equivalent qualification/experience in Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable leadership and team management experience, including staff supervision, mentoring, and line management.
• Proven project management skills, ideally with experience in forestry or environmental projects
• Experience in budget planning, financial control, and resource management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.
• Extensive customer liaison experience, ensuring positive relationships and service delivery.
• Sound understanding of contract management principles and practices.
• Thorough understanding of health and safety requirements within the environmental sector.
• Proven ability to plan, prioritise, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively.
• Competent IT user, proficient with the Microsoft Office suite and other relevant software.
• Flexible approach to work, including willingness to travel and adjust working patterns across a wide geographical area.

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

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

Recruitment team

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