A Geospatial Data Engineer role at Forest Research (FR), to cover a wide range of geospatial, analytical and information technology projects and allowing many opportunities for skills development.

The National Forest Inventory (NFI) programme monitors the location, extent and condition of woodlands throughout Great Britain. It does this by means of construction, regular maintenance and updating of a digital spatial map of Britain’s woodlands using information from aerial photography, remote sensing and administrative sources. This is augmented with a large field survey operation with many thousands of individual survey sites covering a representative sample of woodlands across Great Britain. The NFI field survey is designed as a continuous survey of woodland on a 5-year cycle, with repeat surveying of most sites in each cycle. The operation is at the mid-point of the third cycle of assessments 2020-2025.

Outputs from the NFI provide evidence to decision makers across GB supporting the development of forestry policy, the timber industry and the environment and biodiversity within our forests. Through a series of repeat measurements and assessments at our sample site, we are building a picture of how Britain’s woodlands are changing. Take a look at National Forest Inventory – Forest Research for more information about the range and depth of the outputs from the NFI programme.

The NFI team sits within the Centre for Inventory Forecasting & Operational Support (IFOS), an expert, customer focused provider of forestry information, software and services. The team manage and deliver an integrated spatial platform for the National Forest Inventory, comprising the ‘Forester’ field data collection application and custom designed and built analytical and reporting tools.

We seek to appoint a Geospatial Data Engineer to work as part of a wider team including data scientists, data analysts, statisticians, mapping specialists, remote sensing specialists and field data collection experts. The role covers a wide range of geospatial, analytical and information technology projects and will allow many opportunities for skills development. There will be opportunities to liaise with geospatial data engineers and data scientists across Government and to be involved in wider aspects of the work of Forest Research. Reporting to the NFI Analysis team lead there will be opportunities to work across the entire NFI team and in wider collaboration across FR.

This Geospatial Data Engineer role can be based in Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9SY or in Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH. Blended working gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. See further details about our locations via this link.

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out further details at Homepage – Forest Research.

For further information about the role, and to apply, please click ‘Apply Now’ below.