Careers
Forest Research is a world leader in forestry and tree related research.
We share our knowledge and experience to help the Government and wider organisations globally change the way they think and act on environmental issues.
We offer careers where you can develop solutions to the many complex problems facing our trees, woods and forests. Join us and make a difference!
Benefits of working at Forest Research
Annual leave
25 days for full time staff, rising to 30 days after 5 years, pro rata for those who work part time. You can also buy or sell up to two days annual leave each year.
8 paid Bank holidays a year, plus 2.5 days of additional paid holiday.
Pension
We offer a generous Civil Service pension with a choice of schemes, giving you flexibility to suit your needs. Under our career average pension scheme (Alpha) we pay an employer contribution rate of over 20% of your salary into your pension annually.
Flexible working
We offer flexible working options depending on your circumstances and business needs. We try to accommodate flexible approaches to the working week which could include part-time working, job sharing, home working or compressed hours.
Our flexi-time scheme means you can vary your start and finish time, and take time off if extra hours are built up.
Family-friendly benefits
We offer maternity, adoption and shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid. We offer paternity leave at two weeks full pay.
We also offer a career break scheme for staff who wish to spend more time with their family or take a long trip overseas.
Wellbeing
Our Employee Assistance Programme is a free, confidential service that offers expert advice, information, specialist counselling, and support you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have recently developed a network of mental health first aiders who are available to support staff at difficult times.
Salary advances
Interest free temporary loans of up to £5,000 are available for travel season tickets, sports or IT equipment.
Cycle to work
We offer interest-free loans towards the cost of a bike, plus a Cycle to Work Scheme which can help save you tax.
Our sites
Both our main offices are in parkland settings, with plenty of parking and on-site facilities including electric charging points. We also have very active Sports and social clubs at our main sites, organising events all year around. Many of our staff are very active in the community and we organise charity fundraisers and drives many times a year to benefit various causes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion matters to us
We are proudly committed to equality of opportunity, and aim to employ a diverse workforce. We support and celebrate difference, offering rewarding careers and providing excellent job opportunities for all our people. We have staff coming from a variety of countries around the world who contribute to create a diverse and welcoming office culture.
Learning and Development
We offer unrivalled access to learning and development opportunities, including support for your professional development, plus 3 days paid leave per year for volunteering.
We fully support Reservists and offer generous additional leave.