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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.
We are seeking to appoint a permanent Scientist Entomology, based in Alice Holt to support the entomological contribution to the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS). THDAS undertakes field and laboratory-based research into a range of tree pests and diseases as well as advising sector, policy and public stakeholders on pest management and monitoring. The post-holder will provide support for THDAS, responding to enquiries, provide contribution to field visits, processing samples from surveys and other sampling activities on a range of insect pests, as well as engaging in and contributing to work surrounding pest management, including eradication efforts. Enquiries will come from a range of sources, including the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, National Resources Wales, the general public, and private landowners. These include a range of diagnostic material, from photographs to trap samples or woody material. |
Job description
This post is to work with the entomological advisory service which is part of the THDAS, provide advice to the sector, private owners, public and policy customers, and support current and future trapping and research programmes for key forest pests.
Key Work Areas:
- Completing THDAS enquiries on a wide range of insect pests and providing advice for all levels of enquiry, from general oak processionary moth nest recording to detailed requests for forest-level management advice
- Process samples associated with diagnosing insect pest species from THDAS, surveys, routine monitoring, and non-compliant wood packaging material interceptions through morphological and molecular means
- Support current and future trapping and eradication programs (e.g., Ips typographus, Monochamus, non-native bark beetles) with field surveys, trap maintenance, insect identification and advice, and engaging in the development of additional monitoring as necessary
- Responding to enquiries that come through TreeAlert, email, telephone, and letters, as well as processing samples from surveys, using both morphological and molecular methods
- Support research programmes and engage in new areas of Tree Health research as these emerge
- Contribute to laboratory management through the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments in accordance with our quarantine license
- Develop knowledge exchange materials (including web content, popular articles, briefing notes) and contribute to training events, workshops and Forest Health days, including collaborations with Observatree
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject area (Biology, Ecology, Forestry, etc)
- Developed invertebrate identification skills and familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys
- Experience of in-field insect surveying and monitoring
- Experience of laboratory work in relation to invertebrates, including collection and handling of samples
Desirable Criteria:
- An understanding of plant health issues and pest management
- Knowledge of the pesticide and biocontrol agent regulatory framework / relevant professional qualifications for their use
- Experience of molecular work including DNA barcoding
- Experience in curating entomological collections
- Use of GIS to interpret, record and present data
- Experience of fulfilling health and safety requirements in a fieldwork setting
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Benefits
£7,500 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 : Sift will take place in the week commencing 18th December 2023
Interview: Interview are planned to take place on 11/12th January 2024
If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Managing a Quality Service. 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).
Apply and further information
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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
