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. Were 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 offers the opportunity to be part of a fast-paced team working at the forefront of forest pest research and dealing with an emerging pest of forestry in the UK. You will be part of a wider network of internal and external teams working toward management Ips typographus, where your work will influence policy and management strategies. All within a vibrant and growing entomology group with diverse interests and aims. You will be interacting with several different stakeholders and gain unique insights into forestry operations and policy, while collecting and analysing data for evidence-based recommendations.
The Forest Research (FR) Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the health, functioning and value of Britain's trees woods and forests. It leads FR's research into biosecurity threats, ecosystem robustness and resilience, land use and ecosystem services, and the way in which society values trees. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged, and the Centre provides a stimulating environment for scientists with professional training in plant pathology, entomology, soils and hydrology, ecology, social science, economics, statistics and spatial analysis.
The Tree Health group at FR's Alice Holt Research Station provides scientific support and advice on tree pests and diseases for the forest industry and a wide range of other land managers, stakeholders and the public.
The Ips management team leads on Ips eradication, surveillance and monitoring in England. Performing vital roles in sample processing and analysis of pheromone trapping data, in-field Ips surveys, and further research into Ips typographus biology and distribution. We are a crucial conduit between research and policy, providing FC and Defra with evidence-based advice to ensure the effective surveillance, management and eradication of Ips typographus in England.
Working closely with the Ips management team and Head of Entomology, the Ips Field Officer will be responsible for supporting the running of Ips pheromone trapping networks including the analysis of samples, procurement, resources management and staff management. A large part of the role will be coordinating and performing in-field surveys for Ips across England, interacting with internal and external shareholders to facilitate Ips monitoring, detection, and eradication. The post-holder will engage in other field-based work throughout the year (setting up eradication traps, trap decommissioning etc.) and assist with processing trap samples and identifying insects (bark beetles and other tree-associated species). The role will cover a substantial geographic area with a requirement for regular travel. Fieldwork is a significant component of this role and there will be the need for many nights away throughout the year, particularly during the field season and pre-season trap set-up. The Ips Field Officer will also support colleagues in the Forestry Commission and Defra in the wider Ips Incident Management Team to achieve the overall goals of the programme.
Essential Criteria:
Bachelor of Science Degree in an appropriate subject area (Biology, Ecology, Forestry, etc.) or equivalent experience
Experience of leading in-field insect surveying and monitoring
Experience of laboratory work in relation to invertebrates, including collection and handling of samples
Invertebrate identification skills and familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys
Electronic data management through use of spreadsheets and competent user of MS Office
Experience of disseminating information to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
Familiarity with forests in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects, and including basic tree identification
Please note:
Desirable Criteria:
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
Use of GIS to interpret, record and present data
Experience of managing staff through the line management system
An understanding of plant health issues and pest management
Experience of fulfilling health and safety requirements in a fieldwork setting
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
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 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/.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK you will be required to:
We will use this information to assess your application against the essential criteria in the person specification.
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift is planned to take place on 13th August 2026
Interviews are planned to take place in person at Alice Holt on 21st August 2026.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV (Experience) and the Lead Behaviour, Delivering at Pace. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on the following 3 behaviours at the interview stage, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service and Working Together.
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.
Visa Sponsorship
FR holds a licence to sponsor Skilled Workers under the Home Office points-based immigration system. Candidates wishing to apply should note that the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship would depend on an assessment of this role against defined criteria, which include:
o Whether the Job role has been identified as being a Critical Role in FR, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan, and / or
o Whether the Job role is a known Capability gap, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan for the relevant Centre, and
o Evidence of significant recruitment challenges in filling the Job role previously
Skilled Worker sponsorship may be available, subject to an application and assessment process and the Home Office points-based system.
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
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