Research Worker Thetford

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. We’re 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 sits within the Forest Research Field Data Services (FDS) Technical Services Unit (TSU) which through a network of field stations provides a capacity to conduct field work across Great Britain. TSU establishes, maintains and assesses field experiments for the science centres within Forest Research and on behalf of other customers, Forestry Commission, Forestry and Land Scotland, Natural Resources Wales and other external clients. It also provides local contact and liaison between Forest Research (FR) and networks of regional Forestry Commission (FC) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) staff, partner organisations and private woodland owners and managers.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of Forest Research field programmes by undertaking environmental, plant health and crop surveys, establishing and assessing field experiments, and carrying out practical forestry operations. Working within a small team based at Santon Downham, the role involves collecting, ensuring work is completed to agreed standards, budgets and timescales, and assisting with contractor supervision and auditing. The position also includes the safe use of specialist equipment, pesticides and chainsaws, alongside regular collaboration with internal and external partners across a wide geographical area, requiring flexibility for travel and overnight stays.

Key Work Areas

Working with people:

• By regular contact with colleagues, communicate and encourage ideas for solutions to problems or improved working practices.
• Listen attentively to others, understand, respect and accept the value of different views, ideas and ways of working.
• Confidently handle challenging conversations or interviews.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Promote adherence to relevant policies, procedures, regulations and legislation, including equality and diversity and health and safety.
• There is a requirement to work as a lone worker as well as being able to work within a wider team.

Quality Assurance and Delivering the Work Programme:

• Manage and deliver the delegated work programme to ensure all work complies with Forest Research’s QA policy and systems.
• Produce accurate and professional work, applying cross checking methods to ensure accuracy.
• Plan and organise work programme as specified by line manager to complete tasks to meet deadlines. Make regular progress reports and draw attention to potential difficulties before they occur.
• Understand and apply technology to achieve efficient and effective business and personal results.
• Where required, work independently with autonomy.

Use of resources:

• Achieve efficient use of Field-Station resources in all areas of work through planning and efficient management.
• Carry out standard maintenance and report repair needs as required.
• Understand that all actions have a cost and choose the most effective way to do something in a resource efficient way.
• Take opportunities to challenge misuse of resources to achieve value for money and sustainable ways of working.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK, you will be asked to supply:

• A CV – setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role
• A Personal Statement – (limited to 750 words). Please make specific reference to the essential criteria in the person specification
• Supply a 250 word response to each of the Behaviours: Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace

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 will take place on 23 November 2026

Interviews are planned to take place in person at Forest Research, Santon Downham, Brandon IP27 0TJ on 3 December 2026

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

At the Interview stage, you will be assessed on the 3 following behaviours: Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace

If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV (Experience) and the Personal Statement. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours listed at the interview stage.

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 you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.