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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Science
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About the job
Job summary
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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.
Were 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 its 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.
Members of the entomology team typically undertake field and laboratory-based investigations and research into a range of invertebrate pests, most notably bark and longhorn beetles, defoliating moths, jewel beetles, and pine weevils. The team has recently been undergoing significant expansion and restructuring as we work toward building a stronger department, better able to deliver research, advice, and surveillance programmes as threats to the integrity of our forests increase.
We are seeking to employ a Senior Scientist Entomology based in the Northern Research Station to manage and develop the team of entomologists based at the station. They will lead on developing research on key forest pest species which may include Hylobius large pine weevil, Dendroctonus great spruce bark beetle, and pine tree lappet moth. There will be considerable scope in the long-term for the incumbent to develop their own research area and direction supported by competitive bid drafting, and they will be expected to manage their team and budget. An advisory component will also be expected in the role, supporting advise for Scottish Forestry and developing a strong working relationship with ley stakeholders and other plant health bodies in Scotland e.g. Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA). |
Job description
Key Work Areas:
- Develop a programme of entomological research, including a strategy for delivery with practical outcomes
- Deliver the Hylobius monitoring programme, engaging in research designed to test the monitoring product
- Compete for research funding internally and externally, and engage with other entomologists, pathologists, and ecologists to develop cross-disciplinary research
- Manage and develop a team of researchers to encourage their professional development and research programmes.
- With the help of the Head of Entomology and Head of Tree Health work on a long-term strategy for the development of the Entomology department in NRS
- Deal with requests for advice from government bodies, and private and public foresters
- Work with stakeholders in Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland, dealing with requests for phytosanitary advice at policy level, integrating their considerations into research
- Develop capacity in NRS through staff training and development, and support other members of staff to deliver impartial scientific advice as part of the Advisory service
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- A PhD or equivalent qualification, or equivalent research experience, in entomology, ecology, forestry or a related discipline
- A well developed, evidenced research specialism in entomology (e.g. molecular entomology, population ecology, epidemiology, etc.)
- Extensive experience of working directly with insects, including in-field insect surveying and monitoring and laboratory work, including the collection and handling of samples
- Invertebrate identification skills and familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys
- Demonstrated track record of scientific publications
- Strong track record of disseminating complex information to and engaging with stakeholders at all levels (e.g. governmental, landowners, general public)
- Experience of project management through to completion
- Experience of staff line management and evidence of contributing to their long-term development
- Electronic data management through use of spreadsheets and competent user of MS Office
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of influencing government policy
- Experience of budget management
- Knowledge of the pesticide and biocontrol agent regulatory framework / relevant professional qualifications for their use
- Experience of successfully applying for funding in a scientific department
- Familiarity with forests in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects, and including basic tree identification
- 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)
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
£11,693 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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 where employer contributions starting at 26% of 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 theres 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/.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Sift Date: week commencing 18th December 2023
Interview Date: week commencing 8th January 2024
If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Seeing The Big Picture. 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 youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Further information
