Scientist - Forest Ecology Job

Forestry Commission; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a forest ecologist in an innovative project aimed at enhancing tree seed collection and planting strategies. This role involves analyzing extensive datasets to assess tree species recruitment success and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve forestry practices. You will lead data analysis efforts, communicate findings effectively, and contribute to scientific publications. If you are passionate about ecology and have a strong background in data analysis and project management, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in sustainable forestry.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree (PhD) in relevant science discipline.
• Experience in ecological data analysis and fieldwork techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multivariate data analysis and communicate findings.
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines and manage projects.

Skills

Ecology

Data Analysis

Statistical Analysis (R)

Project Management

Communication Skills

GIS Systems

Fieldwork Techniques

Organizational Skills

Education

PhD in Ecology or Forestry

Tools

R Statistical Software

GIS Software

Job 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 holder's role will be to:

1. Assess tree species-specific recruitment success at the national scale using National Forest Inventory (NFI) datasets from 10,000+ one-hectare sample plots, identifying regions of high recruitment success with self-sustaining populations and regions of poor regeneration, including possible causes (e.g., browsing pressure).
2. Work with the Future Trees Trust, undertaking explanatory data analysis using FTT field experimental trial datasets, to provide evidence for stakeholders on the effects 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 and reports on the recruitment success of different tree species in Great Britain, considering a range of explanatory variables (e.g., browsing pressure, climate, source population attributes).

Person Specification

Key Work Areas

• 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 organization 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 and 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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 characterize 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 organizational, data handling, and record-keeping skills.
• Experience in experimental design and in analyzing, modeling, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative ecological datasets with statistical packages.
• Competent user of R or equivalent for statistical analyses of multivariate and ecological datasets.
• Project management experience.
• Support staff management experience including budget management.
• Proficient in the use of GIS systems for spatial analysis using both vector and raster data.
• Experience 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: