At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in protecting England's trees through fieldwork and surveillance activities.
- Company: Be part of the Forestry Commission, the government's forestry experts.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and gain hands-on experience in environmental work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on plant health while working outdoors and learning from experts.
- Qualifications: Passion for nature and willingness to learn; experience in fieldwork is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36046 - 36046 £ per year.
Join the Plant Health Operations Team within Forest Services, part of the Forestry Commission, as an Ips typographus Support Officer. You will help protect England's trees and woodlands, while supporting wider plant health work across Great Britain, by assisting with surveillance, fieldwork and outbreak response activities. These roles offer varied environmental fieldwork and opportunities to develop expertise in outbreak detection, pest surveillance and biosecurity practice. You will work with knowledgeable colleagues and contribute to coordinated ground-level operations, combining regular fieldwork and site visits with office-based activities.
About Forest Services and the Plant Health Forestry Team
Forest Services are the Government's forestry experts. We support the forestry sector and landowners to protect, improve, and expand England's woodlands through regulation, incentives, and expert advice. Within Forest Services, the Plant Health Forestry (PHF) Team delivers technical policy advice, operational activities (border and inland), and the Forest Reproductive Materials (FRM) programme. Our work ensures that GB's treescape is protected from pests and diseases, and that we are prepared to respond to emerging threats.
The PHF Team operates with both England and GB-wide responsibilities:
- England: Inland surveillance, outbreak management, biosecurity promotion, and regulatory implementation, working with Defra and the Devolved Governments as part of the GB Plant Health Service.
- GB-wide: Statutory functions (including border inspections) and technical advice and support on plant health.
About the Ips typographus Project Team
The Ips typographus Project Team works with landowners, the forestry industry and partner agencies to prevent, detect and eradicate Ips typographus in England. Our work ranges from surveying vulnerable spruce and responding to outbreaks to arranging felling and control work with contractors. We also help landowners manage spruce in high-risk areas and authorise felling, timber movement and processing in line with biosecurity requirements. Working alongside Forest Research and government partners, we use survey data and pheromone trapping to guide our response and explore new approaches, including remote sensing, debarking and canine detection. Sharing knowledge is an important part of the programme. Through training, practical guidance and conversations with landowners and forestry workers, we help others play their part in protecting woodlands.
About the roles
We are seeking one Ips typographus Support Officer to assist in detecting, containing and eradicating Ips typographus outbreaks across south-east England. Working under the direction of the Ips typographus Project Officer, you will play a vital hands-on role in fieldwork, data collection and surveillance operations.
Key work areas
The purpose of the Ips typographus Support Officer is to:
- Support the Ips typographus Project Officer in delivering England's eradication response to Ips typographus.
- Carry out ground-level surveillance of vulnerable spruce stands, with intensified fieldwork activities during spring and summer seasons.
- Assist with the deployment and checking of pheromone traps and carry out targeted ground-inspection following trap catches, in collaboration with Forest Research.
- Collect, record and validate field data on surveillance findings, pest distributions and outbreak status, maintaining accurate and audit-ready records.
- Support the administration of inspections for spruce felling, movement and processing authorisations, helping to maintain up-to-date records and ensuring documentation is complete.
- Assist with the coordination of Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) by supporting communications with landowners, agents and contractors regarding legal requirements and biosecurity obligations.
- Support contractors delivering surveillance, sanitation and control measures on site, reporting progress and issues to Project Officers.
- Engage with local landowners and forestry sector contacts to support the proactive spruce removal objective in high-risk areas, promoting good biosecurity practice at site visits.
- Input field data into reporting systems and assist in preparing timely reports on surveillance, eradication outcomes and operational activity to support Project Officer decision-making.
- Assist with the delivery of training sessions and preparation of guidance materials for forestry workers, contractors and partner agencies.
- Support FC and government R&D initiatives including remote sensing, debarking-equipment trials and canine detection studies.
Ips typographus Support Officer in London employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ips typographus Support Officer in London
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Ips typographus Support Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Government Recruitment Service. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Government Recruitment Service. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
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Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
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For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
