Forest Research Assistant

Norbury Park; Norbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed ecological research organization based in rural Staffordshire is seeking a Forestry Research Assistant to support its growing programme of applied forestry and ecological research. The role involves diverse responsibilities, including fieldwork, data organization, and laboratory tasks. Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree related to ecology and show a strong interest in research and the outdoors. Competitive salary between £30,000 and £35,000 per annum is offered, along with opportunities for hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in applied forestry and ecological research.
• Willingness to undertake regular outdoor fieldwork.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Support multiple research and forestry projects in a collaborative team.
• Assist with planning and coordination of fieldwork and laboratory activities.
• Process and prepare samples in the laboratory.

Skills

Interest in applied forestry and ecological research

Data handling skills

Fieldwork in all weather conditions

Education

Undergraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, or a related discipline

Tools

GIS software

Data analysis software

Job description

Forestry Research Assistant

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Norbury Park Estate, Staffordshire
Salary: Between £30,000–£35,000 per annuum, depending on experience
Provisional start date: February 2026

Norbury Park Estate is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated graduate to join the forestry team at Norbury Park Estate in rural Staffordshire, supporting a growing programme of applied forestry and ecological research.

The role sits within the expanding forestry team working across our award-winning 1,200-acre woodland estate. The carefully managed woodlands include over 450 acres of new plantations and host a range of innovative management approaches and long-term scientific research projects, while also supplying timber to our on-site sawmill and firewood business, Shelmore Timber.

About the Role

This role is suited to a technically focused individual with an interest in scientific and forestry research, who enjoys hands-on fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and data organisation. The Research Assistant will support a portfolio of scientific and forestry projects led by Norbury Park Estate and its partners, with a focus on forest resilience, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.

The position offers substantial field and laboratory experience, alongside opportunities to develop skills in data organisation and research coordination. The postholder will work closely with senior researchers, estate staff, students, and external collaborators. While the role emphasises practical delivery, organisation, and technical reliability, there are opportunities to contribute to scientific outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support multiple research and forestry projects in a collaborative team environment
• Assist with the planning and coordination of fieldwork and laboratory activities
• Undertake regular fieldwork for data and sample collection
• Process and prepare samples in the laboratory following established protocols
• Organise and maintain datasets for analysis and long-term storage
• Prepare brief summaries of field and technical progress

Person Specification

Essential

• Undergraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in applied forestry and ecological research
• Willingness to undertake regular outdoor fieldwork in all weather conditions
• Availability to travel as required
• Full UK driving licence
• Right to work in the UK

Desirable

• Postgraduate training or relevant practical experience
• Experience with ecological or forestry field methods
• Basic laboratory experience
• Familiarity with data handling (for example, spreadsheets or databases)
• Experience working on research or long-term monitoring projects
• Experience using GIS and/or data analysis software in applied environmental, forestry, or monitoring contexts

How to apply
Please submit a CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience. Applications should be sent to [e-mail].