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Title

Scientist - Forest Ecology
Posted
Reference
Sectors Conservation & Ecology
Location England (South East) - UK
Salary (Minimum)
0
Salary (Maximum)
0
Type Fixed Term and Permanent Roles
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Deadline 18/05/2025
Company Name Forestry Commission
Contact Name HR
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Description

The successful applicant will play a central role as a forest ecologist in a new two-year CFP project entitled SUPPoRT: SUstainable Plant Provenancing for Resilient Trees. This project aims to improve tree seed collection choices and planting decisions guided by an adaptive genetic diversity landscape map of the UK. The job holders role will be to: 
(i)    assess tree species-specific recruitment success at the national scale using National Forest Inventory (NFI) datasets from 10,000+ one hectare sample plots, identifying with researchers at RBG Kew, regions of high recruitment success with self-sustaining populations and regions of poor regeneration, including possible causes (e.g. browsing pressure) and 
(ii)    work with the Future Trees Trust, undertaking explanatory data analysis using  FTT field experimental trial datasets, to provide evidence for stakeholders on the effect of different nursery protocols (bare-root vs container-grown material), silvicultural interventions (application of fertilizer, weed control) and the value of using qualified/selected seed over source-identified seed.

Additional work will include identifying other relevant datasets that provide information on tree establishment success in new woodland creation sites. The final output will be novel analyses/reporting on the recruitment success of different tree species in GB considering a range of explanatory variables (e.g. browsing pressure, climate and source population attributes).

Person specification

Key Work Areas 

The successful applicant will be required to:

•    Facilitate clear and prompt communication of research findings to project collaborators and stakeholders; meticulously organize and oversee time management and budget allocation across various projects
•    Work collaboratively with Forest Research and partner organisation scientists across disciplines (molecular ecologists, landscape ecologists, NFI team)
•    Conduct multivariate data analysis and disseminate scientific findings through publications such as papers and reports. Actively pursue opportunities to showcase ongoing research by developing website content, delivering presentations 
•    Manage, share and archive code and data responsibly for quality assurance purposes and to facilitate collaboration
•    Lead and/or contribute to project funding proposal formulation

Essential Criteria:

•    Post-graduate degree (PhD) in a relevant science discipline (Ecology, Forestry) or equivalent experience
•    Ecology and fieldwork experience including sampling and monitoring techniques that help characterise environmental conditions (e.g. measurement of light levels, soil physical and chemical properties)
•    Proof of outstanding communication and writing abilities tailored to diverse audiences, such as the general public, forestry professionals, and scientific peers
•    Excellent organisational, data handling and record keeping skills
•    Experience in experimental design and in analysing, modelling and interpreting quantitative and qualitative ecological data sets with statistical packages
•    Competent user of R or equivalent for statistical analyses of multivariate and ecological datasets.

Desirable Criteria:

•    Project management experience
•    Support staff management experience including budget management
•    Practised in multivariate analyses of large-scale, complex ecological datasets. 
•    Proficient in the use of GIS systems for spatial analysis using both vector and raster data
•    Experienced in forest science, forest ecology and biomonitoring
•    Lead author or key contributor towards writing and analysis of a scientific publication

Behaviours

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

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Delivering at Pace
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