About the job

Summary

Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission, a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted and recognised provider of expertise, data, products and services for governments and the tree, wood, forest and natural resource sectors. Please explore www.forestresearch.gov.uk to find out more information about our organisation. The post holder will be a member of the Social and Economic Research Group, within the Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity (CESB) – one of three thematic centres within Forest Research. CESB focuses strongly on interdisciplinary research, using the mix of disciplines within FR to address some of the many complex social and environmental problems facing those concerned with Britain’s trees woods and forests.

The Social and Economic Research Group (SERG) is a busy, dynamic group involved in a suite of projects that develop scientific understanding and practical advice on a range of social, cultural, governance and economic issues relating to the use, engagement and management of British trees and forests. From April the team will be comprised of fifteen social scientists. SERG social researchers focus on three broad thematic work areas: 1) well-being and woodlands – including: research on the health benefits of woodlands, social and cultural value of trees and woods, motivations and benefits of volunteering, impacts of education and learning in forest environments, 2) land manager behaviours – including: research on land manager’s decision making for woodland creation and management, adaptation and resilience; the impacts of community woodlands and social enterprises; land manager engagement in policy and governance, 3) social dimensions of tree health – including research on: behaviours of public and stakeholders in tree and plant supply chains and pathways; acceptability of pest management measures; stakeholder perceptions of risks and resilience. The group works on several cross-cutting research issues including: urban forestry; climate change and society; public engagement with woods; forest and nature; evaluation of behaviour change interventions including incentives, projects and programmes; integration of research knowledge into policy and practice. As well as delivering high quality evidence and applied outputs direct to research commissioners, the group has a strong publishing record in a range of high impact social science, policy related and forestry journals.

Job description

Members of the group are based at Alice Holt Lodge near Farnham, at the Northern Research Station near Edinburgh, and at the Forestry Commission's National Office in Bristol. The group is seeking to appoint on a fixed term (2 years), two Social Scientists to undertake research that contributes to improving understanding of the values, attitudes, behaviours and actions of land managers and a range of publics and stakeholders across SERG’s three core social science themes of wellbeing, land manager behaviours, and the social dimensions of tree health.

Key Work Areas

1. Work with other members of the Social and Economic Research Group and in an interdisciplinary way with other scientists across FR and its partners to develop research plans, survey and interview questions and guides, and protocols for gathering and reviewing existing evidence.

2. Assist with collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis.

3. Contribute to the interpretation of data and communicate findings through outputs including scientific publications, technical reports, research summaries, website and social media content, and presentations.

4. Contribute to project management of contracts for research and evaluation.

5. Assist with business development activities, working with the Head of SERG and other members of the research group to identify, develop and submit proposals for new research projects and scientific collaborations.

Responsibilities

Essential Criteria

* Bachelor of Science Degree or Bachelor of Arts degree in social/behavioural/environmental science.

* Postgraduate qualification with substantial social/behavioural science content within an environmental context.

* Track record of contributing to successful social/behavioural science research including developing study plans and research questions.

* Demonstrable ability and experience in gathering quantitative and/or qualitative data for social/behavioural science studies though in-person and/or on-line methodologies.

* Experience of using appropriate techniques and software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, NVivo) to analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data.

* High standard of verbal and written communication and experience of knowledge exchange with a range of stakeholders in a variety of formats and settings.

Desirable Criteria

* Skilled in a range of techniques to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data.

* A broad understanding of social/behavioural science issues and theories particularly as they relate to SERG’s core themes.

* Track record of managing projects successfully to completion and of an ability to work on multiple projects over the same period.

* Experience of working collaboratively in a multi-project team environment to achieve results.

* Proficient in delivering presentations and writing of technical reports and scientific papers.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

* Access to learning and development tailored to your role

* A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options

* A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity

* A civil service pension

* 25 days annual leave per year rising to 30 days annual leave after 5 years service. Plus 10.5 days public and additional holidays.

Further information on the benefits of working for Forest Research can be found here: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/about-us/careers/

Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/