Senior Research Officer – Natural Environment

Government Recruitment Service; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK is seeking a Senior Research Officer to lead research and evaluation projects related to environmental policy. The role involves working closely with colleagues across various disciplines, including social researchers and economists, to deliver high-impact insights on projects such as the Environmental Improvement Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies. The position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to key policy areas and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-profile insights, research, and evaluation projects.
• Collaborate closely with policy colleagues on natural environment issues.

Job description

Overview

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day‑to‑day life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the water we drink.

Role context

This role is based in the Research and Evaluation team within the Environment Science and Analysis division. The team provides specialist social research and evaluation expertise to support teams working on natural environment policy issues across Defra’s Strategy, Governance and Climate (SGC) and Biodiversity, Land Use and Investment (BLI) directorates.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Research Officer, you will work alongside colleagues in an interdisciplinary evidence division, including social researchers, economists and scientists, reporting to a Principal Social Researcher. You will be working very closely with policy colleagues to deliver a broad programme of research and evaluation and will be responsible for leading high‑profile insights, research and evaluation projects, working across professions and complex policy areas.

The team is currently working particularly closely with the Access to Nature team, the wider Access, Landscapes, Peatland and Soils division, and the Land Use division.

Key areas of contribution

• Environmental Improvement Plan – enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment
• National River Walks
• Local Nature Recovery Strategies
• Farming in Protected Landscapes programme
• Peatland policy
• People and Nature Survey