Research Forester - Measurement Systems
This role will be based in Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, GU10 4LH with blended working, which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Summary
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.
The post holder will be a member of the Mensuration, Growth and Yield Science Group, within the Centre for Forest Management – one of three research centres within Forest Research. The Mensuration, Growth and Yield team aims to improve the scientific understanding of how to assess and manage forests and wood products. Our objective is to enhance their contributions to mitigating climate change and supplying sustainable timber and biomass.
Our work is focused on 5 main areas: tree and timber measurement; forest growth modelling; forest carbon balance modelling; evaluation of wood supply chains; development of practical decision support tools. We achieve our aims using a range of scientific methods including monitoring a network of permanent forest research plots, developing remote sensing methods and mathematical models, policy analysis, life cycle assessment and literature reviews. The team comprises 24 staff who are spread across Great Britain.
Job Description
Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) are an important natural resource and increasingly recognised as important for climate change mitigation efforts, because of their contribution to carbon sequestration and storage. Due to limitations on available data, their biomass and carbon stocks are currently estimated using relationships developed for forest trees, which are likely to be inaccurate. Our team has developed a robust methodology for obtaining non-destructive estimates of above-ground volume and dimensions of TOW from data obtained using innovative remote sensing techniques based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS).
The successful applicant will be part of a team working on the delivery of a DEFRA Forestry R&D project that aims at addressing the significant evidence gap in data to quantify the physical characteristics of TOW. The project aims will be achieved by further validating our methodology (by laser scanning, harvesting and weighing a sample of large dimension trees) and then deploying it to scale with the establishment and TLS assessment of a network of open-grown trees across England.
The Research Forester will drive forward the field work component of the project. Under the guidance of the Project Leaders, they will be responsible for the identification of suitable trees across England (office-based) and their subsequent assessment. Alongside traditional mensuration methods, they will apply modern remote sensing techniques (TLS and phone-based methods) to collect data on tree dimensions and contribute to their subsequent analysis. Full training on remote sensing methods and data analysis will be provided in-house. As this is predominantly a field-based role, the post-holder will be required to undertake significant travel across England with overnight stays away from home.
Key Work Areas
The post-holder’s main responsibilities will be to:
The successful applicant will be part of a team working on the delivery of a DEFRA Forestry R&D project that aims at addressing the significant evidence gap in data to quantify the physical characteristics of TOW. The project aims will be achieved by further validating our methodology (by laser scanning, harvesting and weighing a sample of large dimension trees) and then deploying it to scale with the establishment and TLS assessment of a network of open-grown trees across England.
The Research Forester will drive forward the field work component of the project. Under the guidance of the Project Leaders, they will be responsible for the identification of suitable trees across England (office-based) and their subsequent assessment. Alongside traditional mensuration methods, they will apply modern remote sensing techniques (TLS and phone-based methods) to collect data on tree dimensions and contribute to their subsequent analysis. Full training on remote sensing methods and data analysis will be provided in-house. As this is predominantly a field-based role, the post-holder will be required to undertake significant travel across England with overnight stays away from home.
The Post-holder’s Main Responsibilities Will Be To
We are looking for someone with forestry knowledge and practical experience in forest surveys and tree assessment. They will be highly organised and confident in planning their own work. They should enjoy spending a significant portion of their time (more than 50%) working outdoors and have strong willingness to learn new skills. They should also be effective at building positive relationships with colleagues and a range of stakeholder groups.
Essential Criteria
Travel and overnight stays are estimated to be required up to 3 weeks per month. However, this will not necessarily be continuous and likely to be broken up with days in the office.
Desirable Criteria
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Your career
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
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:
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 week commencing 6 July 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 28 July on MS Teams.
If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV and Lead Behaviour (Working Together). 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.
Visa Sponsorship
Role
FR holds a licence to sponsor Skilled Workers under the Home Office points-based immigration system. Candidates wishing to apply should note that the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship would depend on an assessment of this role against defined criteria, which include:
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Job Summary
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.
The post holder will be a member of the Mensuration, Growth and Yield Science Group, within the Centre for Forest Management – one of three research centres within Forest Research. The Mensuration, Growth and Yield team aims to improve the scientific understanding of how to assess and manage forests and wood products. Our objective is to enhance their contributions to mitigating climate change and supplying sustainable timber and biomass.
Our work is focused on 5 main areas: tree and timber measurement; forest growth modelling; forest carbon balance modelling; evaluation of wood supply chains; development of practical decision support tools. We achieve our aims using a range of scientific methods including monitoring a network of permanent forest research plots, developing remote sensing methods and mathematical models, policy analysis, life cycle assessment and literature reviews. The team comprises 24 staff who are spread across Great Britain.
Job Description
Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) are an important natural resource and increasingly recognised as important for climate change mitigation efforts, because of their contribution to carbon sequestration and storage. Due to limitations on available data, their biomass and carbon stocks are currently estimated using relationships developed for forest trees, which are likely to be inaccurate. Our team has developed a robust methodology for obtaining non-destructive estimates of above-ground volume and dimensions of TOW from data obtained using innovative remote sensing techniques based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS).
The successful applicant will be part of a team working on the delivery of a DEFRA Forestry R&D project that aims at addressing the significant evidence gap in data to quantify the physical characteristics of TOW. The project aims will be achieved by further validating our methodology (by laser scanning, harvesting and weighing a sample of large dimension trees) and then deploying it to scale with the establishment and TLS assessment of a network of open-grown trees across England.
The Research Forester will drive forward the field work component of the project. Under the guidance of the Project Leaders, they will be responsible for the identification of suitable trees across England (office-based) and their subsequent assessment. Alongside traditional mensuration methods, they will apply modern remote sensing techniques (TLS and phone-based methods) to collect data on tree dimensions and contribute to their subsequent analysis. Full training on remote sensing methods and data analysis will be provided in-house. As this is predominantly a field-based role, the post-holder will be required to undertake significant travel across England with overnight stays away from home.
Key Work Areas
The post-holder’s main responsibilities will be to:
- Identify and liaise with a range of tree and nature related organisations to locate and select suitable open grown trees across England, securing permission to access them.
- Lead and carry out the fieldwork needed to collect biometric data on the selected trees, with the support of a Research Assistant, using a combination of traditional procedures and remote sensing methods.
- Contribute to the analysis of the collected TLS data by applying existing processing software to derive tree metrics of interest.
The successful applicant will be part of a team working on the delivery of a DEFRA Forestry R&D project that aims at addressing the significant evidence gap in data to quantify the physical characteristics of TOW. The project aims will be achieved by further validating our methodology (by laser scanning, harvesting and weighing a sample of large dimension trees) and then deploying it to scale with the establishment and TLS assessment of a network of open-grown trees across England.
The Research Forester will drive forward the field work component of the project. Under the guidance of the Project Leaders, they will be responsible for the identification of suitable trees across England (office-based) and their subsequent assessment. Alongside traditional mensuration methods, they will apply modern remote sensing techniques (TLS and phone-based methods) to collect data on tree dimensions and contribute to their subsequent analysis. Full training on remote sensing methods and data analysis will be provided in-house. As this is predominantly a field-based role, the post-holder will be required to undertake significant travel across England with overnight stays away from home.
The Post-holder’s Main Responsibilities Will Be To
- Identify and liaise with a range of tree and nature related organisations to locate and select suitable open grown trees across England, securing permission to access them.
- Lead and carry out the fieldwork needed to collect biometric data on the selected trees, with the support of a Research Assistant, using a combination of traditional procedures and remote sensing methods.
- Contribute to the analysis of the collected TLS data by applying existing processing software to derive tree metrics of interest.
We are looking for someone with forestry knowledge and practical experience in forest surveys and tree assessment. They will be highly organised and confident in planning their own work. They should enjoy spending a significant portion of their time (more than 50%) working outdoors and have strong willingness to learn new skills. They should also be effective at building positive relationships with colleagues and a range of stakeholder groups.
Essential Criteria
- A degree or HND in Forestry or similar qualifications in other land-based or environmental disciplines.
- Experience in planning and conducting field surveys and assessments in accordance with pre-defined protocols and to agreed standards.
- Strong organisational and record keeping skills, with a high level of attention to details.
- Highly effective communication and relationship-building skills.
- Competence in the use of MS OS based computers and a range of different software applications.
- Willingness to learn new skills through appropriate training or mentoring.
Travel and overnight stays are estimated to be required up to 3 weeks per month. However, this will not necessarily be continuous and likely to be broken up with days in the office.
Desirable Criteria
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
- Experience with GIS software
- Experience in field-based research projects
- Experience with remote sensing techniques
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Your career
- Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
- access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
- flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
- A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
- Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
- a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary
- an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
- Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
- Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
- With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
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 250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria as outlined in the person specification.
- Submit a 250-word Statement for each of the two following behaviours: Working Together and Communicating and Influencing.
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 week commencing 6 July 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 28 July on MS Teams.
If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV and Lead Behaviour (Working Together). 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.
Visa Sponsorship
Role
FR holds a licence to sponsor Skilled Workers under the Home Office points-based immigration system. Candidates wishing to apply should note that the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship would depend on an assessment of this role against defined criteria, which include:
- Whether the Job role has been identified as being a Critical Role in FR, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan, and / or
- Whether the Job role is a known Capability gap, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan for the relevant Centre, and
- Evidence of significant recruitment challenges in filling the Job role previously
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.