Data Science Technician – Forest Research (Administrative Officer)
Build Your Data Science Career in Environmental Research
Forest Research, part of the Forestry Commission, is recruiting a Data Science Technician to join its National Forest Inventory (NFI) team. This is an exciting opportunity for graduates and early-career data professionals to work on projects that support forestry, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land management across Great Britain.
The successful candidate will work alongside data engineers, statisticians, GIS specialists, remote sensing experts, and scientists to analyse complex environmental datasets and deliver evidence that informs government policy and forest management.
Job Summary
- Position: Data Science Technician
- Organisation: Forestry Commission – Forest Research
- Reference Number: 465958
- Grade: Administrative Officer (Pay Band 6a)
- Salary: £30,105 per year
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time
- Locations:
- Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian (EH25 9SY)
- Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey (GU10 4LH)
- Working Style: Hybrid (office and home-based)
- Application Deadline: 11:55 pm, 8 July 2026
About Forest Research
Forest Research is the UK’s leading organisation for applied forest science. It provides scientific evidence that supports government policies, woodland management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable timber production.
This role sits within the National Forest Inventory (NFI) programme, which monitors the condition, extent, and health of Britain’s woodlands through field surveys, GIS mapping, aerial imagery, remote sensing, and statistical analysis.
Key Responsibilities
As a Data Science Technician, you will:
- Analyse and interpret National Forest Inventory datasets.
- Assist in designing reports and statistical outputs.
- Support data extraction, cleaning, transformation, and reporting.
- Maintain analytical workflows and data pipelines.
- Assist with GIS and spatial analysis.
- Support Forest Research’s timber forecasting systems.
- Help maintain woodland ecological condition analysis tools.
- Produce reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with scientists, statisticians, data engineers, and GIS specialists.
- Contribute to continuous improvements in analytical systems.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A degree in a STEM or numerate discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Experience using R or Python for data analysis.
- Knowledge of data extraction, cleaning, and workflow management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Skills
Although not essential, the following would be advantageous:
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS.
- SQL or relational database knowledge.
- GIS and geospatial analysis experience.
- Interest in forestry, ecology, biodiversity, or environmental science.
Benefits
Forest Research offers an excellent employment package, including:
- £30,105 annual salary
- Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Professional development and training
- Paid professional memberships
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid volunteering leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee discount programme
- Free parking and electric vehicle charging
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
Selection Process
Applicants must submit:
- An up-to-date CV
- A 250-word Personal Statement
- Three separate 250-word behaviour statements covering:
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
Shortlisted candidates will attend an online interview and deliver a 5-minute presentation describing how they used creative thinking to solve a data-related problem or improve a process.
Why Apply?
This role provides an outstanding opportunity to build a career in data science, geospatial analysis, environmental research, and government analytics while contributing to projects that help protect Britain’s forests and tackle climate change.
Whether you are an early-career data analyst, STEM graduate, or aspiring data scientist, this position offers valuable experience working with real-world environmental datasets and advanced analytical tools.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026
Apply through the Civil Service Jobs portal before the closing date.