At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research to restore tropical forests and improve biodiversity in West Africa.
- Company: Join Africa’s leading forest restoration company making a global impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid/remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to shape environmental change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and team development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in restoring ecosystems and supporting rural communities.
- Qualifications: PhD and 5+ years in forest restoration research with proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Full-time (hybrid/remote) 6 months/year at projects in West Africa.
About Rainforest Builder
Rainforest Builder is Africa’s leading forest restoration company, on a mission to restore one million hectares of degraded land to tropical forest. We bring together world-leading science, forestry, and tech, to deliver high-quality forest restoration at unprecedented scale. Backed by some of the largest companies and investors in the world, we remove millions of tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, restore globally threatened biodiversity, and deliver equitable economic growth to rural communities. We currently operate four projects across three countries in West Africa and are continuing to expand to new areas within the region.
Role overview
As Rainforest Builder’s Lead Restoration Scientist, you will be the driving force behind our ambitious experimental research program. You will design, implement and analyze field trials that underpin continual improvements to our operational practices. You will oversee cutting-edge nursery research to advance our understanding of native rainforest tree seedlings and unlock the production of highly diverse species mixes at scale. You will lead on our programme of seed collection and storage, applying what we learn in our trials to ensure that each project is provisioned with a high-quality seed stock for highly diversified native tree planting at scale.
This is a career-defining role with responsibility for generating insights that will shape the outcomes of land restoration across thousands of hectares throughout tropical West Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Field Silvicultural trials: You will design and manage the running of field trial programs across all Rainforest Builder’s active projects, answering key questions concerning how to cost-effectively re-establish native forests. You will provide regular reporting of trial-based insights, and deliver evidence-based recommendations to improve operations across our project areas.
- Tree Improvement & Site-Species Matching: You will oversee a variety of research streams to help understand the drivers of mortality and growth in different species, unravelling the effects of climate, soils, pests and pathogens to understand how to optimally match different species to different environments. You will develop a long-term program of tree quality research to identify high-performing species and individuals, with the potential to include genomic screening and multi-trait selection. You will generate actionable recommendations on seed and seedling sources that will improve the growth and long-term resilience of our restored forests.
- Seed collection and storage: You will oversee our seed collection programme, ensuring that we collect the seed that fuels our operations. This requires collecting high-quality seed in the right quantity, and from the right species, and ensure that we achieve multi-year viability in storage.
- Team Building and Leadership: You will support the growth and development of Rainforest Builder’s Research & Development teams across all projects. This will include finding and recruiting talented researchers, as well as providing training and mentorship to our existing teams. You will promote and instil a working culture of the highest standards of productivity, integrity and curiosity, supporting the growth of the next generation of leaders in West African forestry.
Candidate requirements
- PhD in a relevant field
- Minimum of 5 years of research management experience in one of the following areas: research and development in forest restoration; forestry operations; restoration R&D and tree breeding
- Experience working in tropical forests, with a strong grounding in tropical forest ecology
- Proven leadership skills, with effective team management and operational organization, including leading large teams to a tight delivery schedule in challenging field settings
- Strong experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experimental research, and interpreting research data
- Highly self-motivated, and excited by the challenge of maintaining scientific rigor across a large field operation.
- Excellent problem solver- able to identify problems and challenges as they emerge and resolve appropriately
To apply
Please email with a CV and covering letter, including the job title in the subject line. Applications via LinkedIn will not be reviewed.
Lead restoration scientist in Warrington employer: Rainforest Builder
At Rainforest Builder, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer in the field of forest restoration, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on biodiversity and climate change. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while engaging in meaningful projects across West Africa, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Join us to lead groundbreaking research initiatives and contribute to restoring vital ecosystems, all while being supported by a team dedicated to excellence and integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead restoration scientist in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry and restoration sectors, especially those connected to Rainforest Builder. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for forest restoration! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the company, share your excitement about their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into their projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in West Africa and think of ways you can contribute to their ongoing success. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Rainforest Builder.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead restoration scientist in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in forest restoration and research management, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've held. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with our mission at Rainforest Builder.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter:This is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Lead Restoration Scientist role. Share your passion for tropical forest ecology and how your background aligns with our goals. Make it personal and show us what excites you about working with Rainforest Builder!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff. Keep it professional but let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only review applications sent via email, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Send your CV and cover letter to the specified email address, and include the job title in the subject line. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainforest Builder
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of tropical forest ecology and restoration practices. Familiarise yourself with Rainforest Builder's projects and their impact. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past research will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate expert in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Restoration Scientist, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in challenging environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent, as this is crucial for fostering a productive team culture.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you've identified challenges in research or field operations and how you tackled them. This will showcase your ability to maintain scientific rigor while adapting to real-world challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Rainforest Builder’s future projects and research directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking and vision for forest restoration.
