At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vital research on ancient trees and hedgerows while engaging with stakeholders across the UK.
- Company: Join The Tree Council, a national charity dedicated to tree conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for fieldwork and collaboration in a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and climate change through hands-on research.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental or social science and experience in qualitative research methods.
Based at The Tree Council HQ in Canada Water, London SE16 with flexible working from home but with easy connections to the whole of England (the majority of the team is remote working across the UK). The role includes some days out across the UK with occasional overnight stays.
Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 per annum
Pension: 7% contribution by The Tree Council
Terms: Full-time, fixed-term role to March 2028 (with possibility of extension dependent upon funding). Starting asap, with 25 days annual leave, plus Public Holidays and the period between Christmas and the New Year.
Reporting to: Science & Action Research Manager
Internal Liaison: Wider S&R Team, Community Grants Team, Comms Team
External Liaison: Research Partners: Defra, Forest Research, Fera Science, RBG Kew, a variety of conservation NGOs, landholders, university partners and other stakeholders.
It is a vital moment for the environment as we face the dual nature and climate crises. The world has become increasingly aware of the important role ancient trees and hedgerows play in helping support biodiversity and tackle climate change. Looking after the nation’s precious ancient and veteran trees and inspiring new hedgerow planting are key elements to help safeguard our heritage and a green future.
The Tree Council’s Science & Research (S&R) team is engaged in two new Defra-funded research projects:
- Working with specialists in the arboricultural industry, stakeholder groups and researchers to build evidence and review and improve understanding of the threats to ancient and veteran trees - identifying and sharing how to protect and manage them better.
- Contributing expert input to co-design recommendations for hedgerow policy and practice, with a focus on non-agricultural hedgerow incentive trials.
To help deliver this research, we are recruiting a new Trees Outside Woodlands (TOWs) Projects Officer to join our national charity team. The Officer will support the Science and Research Team to deliver high-quality action research in the Trees Outside Woodlands space, with a focus on research relating to hedgerows and ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection.
The role will involve carrying out a range of qualitative research methods, coordinating and delivering stakeholder engagement and co-design activities. This role is ideal for someone with knowledge of, and practical experience in, applying qualitative research methods and with a degree-level qualification in environmental science, social science or a related discipline. They will have strong organisational skills and a good understanding of rural landscapes, ecosystems and the role of trees and hedgerows within them.
Good at building relationships, they will have experience of producing academic, technical or research-based reports to high standards. We are looking for someone who is used to being hands-on in a small team, in a fast-paced environment. Communication, a warm and enthusiastic attitude and attention to detail are key. Above all, you should be keen to use your strong qualitative research skills to support The Tree Council’s S&R Team to deliver their objectives.
You will be based at our nine-desk office, in a Grade 2 listed building at Canada Water in East London, with considerable flexibility for working from home. The role will include regular travel across the UK, with occasional overnight stays. The role is varied, giving the post-holder opportunity for desk-based work and fieldwork, with additional support to our Community Grants Programme team at times of high pressure and occasional help at corporate volunteering days.
Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI): We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, personal writing can often convey enthusiasm, energy and character better than AI so please bear this in mind when writing your letter. During interviews, candidates will be expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.
Pre-employment checks for the successful candidate will include:
- DBS check
- Two professional references
- Verification of ‘Right to Work in the UK’
The Tree Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
Trees Outside Woodlands (TOWs) Projects Officer employer: TREE COUNCIL
The Tree Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment. As a Regional Lead for Scotland, you will have the opportunity to inspire local groups and schools while benefiting from professional growth through training and resources, all within a passionate team committed to ecological transformation in some of the most disadvantaged areas. Join us in shaping a greener future and enjoy the flexibility of independent contracting with the backing of a strong support network.
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