Forestry Commission
Research Forester - Measurement Systems
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Research Forester – Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) Project
Location Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, GU10 4LH, with blended working options (some weeks home-based). Note: Role is restricted to UK nationals only.
About the Organisation
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research is a global leader in applied forest science. Our work supports:
- Climate change mitigation through woodland research
- Sustainable timber production (reducing emissions via fewer imports)
- Biodiversity and carbon assessment across UK woodlands
- Development of resilient tree species and decision-support tools
Our Mensuration, Growth and Yield Science Group enhances forest management through: ✔ Tree and timber measurement ✔ Forest carbon modelling ✔ Remote sensing methodologies ✔ Evaluation of timber supply chains
Job Summary
This Research Forester role focuses on Trees Outside Woodland (TOW)—trees that contribute significantly to carbon sequestration but lack accurate biomass/carbon data. Current forest estimation tools are inaccurate for open-grown trees, creating a critical research gap.
Project Objectives
- Validate Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) methods by scanning/harvesting a tree sample (calibration)
- Establish a network of TLS-assessed, open-grown trees across England
- Apply methodology to quantify TOW’s physical metrics at scale
As the fieldwork lead, you will:
- Identify and liaise with stakeholders to secure TOW access permissions
- Conduct ** ongoing field surveys** (biometric data + remote sensing)
- Train in TLS/phone-based methods and contribute to data analysis
Predominantly field-based with 2–3 weeks of travel per month (overnight stays).
Key Responsibilities
Field and Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with tree/nature organisations to locate and select suitable TOW (office-based component)
- Secure access permissions from landowners/relevant authorities
- Organise logistics and coordinate with Research Assistant (if applicable)
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Data Collection
- Execute fieldwork using:
- Traditional mensuration methods
- Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)
- Mobile-based tools (e.g., smartphone metrics)
- Document and input data per project protocols
Research & Analysis
- Partial involvement in TLS data processing (professional training provided)
- Contribute findings to broader team outputs
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
▶ A degree/HND in forestry or a related discipline (e.g., environmental sciences; wood science). ▶ Field survey experience: Conceptualising/mapping efforts using forestry standards. ▶ Strong organisation skills: Detail-oriented record-keeping and protocol adherence. ▶ Fluent communication & relationship-building (internal/external partnerships). ▶ Competency in MS Office/OS-based tech (Music, Excel, basic statistics). ▶ Full UK driving licence (travel up to 80% of role mandatory).
Desirable but not Essential
- GIS software experience
- Field-based research background
- Familiarity with remote sensing or spatial data analysis
Combined Behaviours & Job Criteria
Assessment Process
We evaluate three core behaviours (apps + interview):
- Working Together (collaboration, mentorship, team dynamics)
- Communicating & Influencing (curating stakeholder support, problem-solving)
- Making Effective Decisions (rigour in fieldwork planning, adaptability)
Example app requirements: Attach a:
- 1-page CV (highlighting relevant skills)
- 250-word personal statement (matching essential criteria)
- 2x 250-word statements (addressing Behaviours 1 & 2)
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Key Focus during Sift (2026, Jul 6 Launch)
✔ CV leadership (detail + fieldwork-specific examples) ✔ Star-based behaviour narrative (clear ethical-scientific work relevance).
Interviews (TSL厂Part 28 destination) focus on experience + remaining behaviours.
Why Work Here?
Salary & Career Growth
- Base salary: £33,854 (+ annual increment to £37,589 Version, subject to interview/performance).
- Civil Service Pension TAX: £9,807 + 28.97% employer contribution.
- Tailored professional support: Research funding, mentoring, coaching for career advancement.
Initial Leave & Scale Up
- 25 days annual leave (pro-rated)
- 1 day annual increment (max: 30 days, after 5 years).
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- 8x bank holidays + 2.5x ‘flexi days/month’.
Wellbeing & Work/Life Balance
- Cultural highlights:
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
- Cooking workshops/Fell running (park initiatives)
- Wellbeing Wednesdays/FELL talks
- Flexibility options:
- Part-time, carer leave, role-based coached home working.
- 3x voluntary days/year (donate time).
Inclusivity Highlights
- Feedback on disability accommodations consulted through application.
- Civil Service comprometed to diverse lived experiences.
- The role offers Skilled Worker visa support for eligible non-UK nationals (on a workforce plan, criteria-based criteria).
Divers Programme Notice
- Veteran-focused recruitment available here.
For further questions: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
🔹Note: Vertical bars above indicate TICKS (we ensure checklist alignment). This role is not sponsored massively UK-specific.
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