Overview

The Forest Research (FR) Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the health, functioning and value of Britain’s trees, woods and forests. In particular it leads FR’s research into biosecurity threats, ecosystem robustness and resilience, land use and ecosystem services, and the way in which society values trees. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged and the Centre provides a stimulating environment for scientists with professional training in plant pathology, entomology, soils and hydrology, ecology, social science, economics, statistics and spatial analysis.

The Tree Health group at FR’s Alice Holt Research Station, which is based near Farnham in Surrey, provides a Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS) and undertakes field and laboratory based research into a range of tree pests and diseases. We are seeking to appoint an established Entomologist at PB4 level to lead the entomological contribution to the advisory service. You will provide a broad scope of entomological expertise to respond to enquiries relating to insects / insect damage / other invertebrates associated with trees, other woody plants, timber & wood products, etc, received from the woodland sector and the public, and provide advice in support of plant health policy in tackling quarantine pests.

Purpose of the Job

Lead the entomological advisory service, provide advice to the sector and policy customers, and build networks internationally that will help to maintain awareness of developing threats and share advice & information.

Key Work Areas

1. Lead the entomological component of the THDAS, providing timely and expert advice to the woodland sector and policy customers (including plant health inspectors) and to enquiries received via phone, post, email and TreeAlert

2. Conduct and supervise diagnoses in lab and during site visits, using a range of scientific methods

3. On request, inspect protected zones, exclusion zones and potential outbreak sites and rapidly provide feedback to required organisations

4. Develop knowledge exchange materials (including web content, popular articles, briefing notes) and contribute to training events, workshops and Forest Health days.

5. Supervise staff and students

6. Build and maintain networks within the UK and internationally to maintain awareness of developing threats and share advice & information.

Experience and Professional/Technical Expertise
Essential

Postgraduate qualification in biological sciences

Highly developed taxonomic and diagnostic entomological skills

Track record of knowledge exchange and provision of advice to stakeholders

Well-developed skills in verbal and written communication

Driving licence
Desirable

Experience of working in an applied research or advisory organisation

BASIS registration

PhD qualification in an entomological topic

A broad understanding of plant health issues, particularly as they relate to emerging pests of temperate woodlands

Experience in curation of entomological collections

Track record in technical report writing and preparation of scientific papers

Membership of relevant professional body or learned society

Making Effective Decisions

Make decisions when they are needed, even if they prove difficult or unpopular

Identify a range of relevant and credible information sources and recognise the need to collect new data when necessary from internal and external sources

Collaborating and Partnering

Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes

Encourage collaborative team working within your team and across the Department

Managing a Quality Service

Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and service standards including health and safety to provide quality, efficiency and value for money

Work with team to set priorities, goals, objectives and timescales

Delivering at Pace

Successfully manage, support and stretch self and team to deliver agreed goals and objectives

Plan ahead but reassess workloads and priorities if situations change or people are facing conflicting demands
Person specification
Highly developed taxonomic and diagnostic entomological skills
Licences
driving licence
Qualifications
Postgraduate qualification in biological sciences
Competencies
We’ll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

Experience and Professional Technical Expertise
Making effective decisions
Collaborating and partnering
Managing a quality service
Delivering at pace