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Forestry Commission
Assistant Economist
Midlothian Hybrid 0-2 yrs exp Government Administration 2,505 employees
Economic AnalysisMicroeconomic TheoryEnvironmental EconomicsData AnalysisData Validation
Requirements
Applicants must have an economics degree, some experience or academic study in environmental or ecological economics, significant data analysis experience, and the ability to apply microeconomic theory. Strong written and verbal communication, proficiency with Microsoft Office—especially Excel—and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are required.
Job Description
The role will be based in Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH or Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY with blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Summary
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, across Great Britain. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.
FR’s Centre for Forest Management applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the resilience and value of Britain's trees, woods and forests. As part of this centre, the Forestry Economics Research Unit within FR’s Climate Change Research Group aims to provide outstanding forestry economics research - developing the evidence base, recognised for scientific excellence, objective and authoritative advice, and valued for its effective contribution to addressing key issues of forest policy and management. We work with end users and the wider science community to ensure that research is directed to priority issues and helps inform government policy and sector practice.
The Unit currently has six team members and is involved in a wide range of interdisciplinary projects. These include forest sector modelling, agroforestry, policy nudges in forestry and agriculture, and development of a Woodland Water Code to encourage greater private sector investment in UK woodland creation for water-related benefits. We also support the core funded programmes under the Science and Innovation Strategy for GB forestry with projects such as optimal rotation length modelling and the economics of climate change adaptation and mitigation. We are looking to expand our team to be able to enhance our capacity and capability to deliver such a broad set of interesting projects. The unit is split in terms of location between Northern Research Station in Roslin and Alice Holt in Farnham.
Job Description
The purpose of the role is to support the economics team on a variety of projects under the banner of economics of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Current topics are varied and therefore the preferences of the post holder can be taken into account when allocating work.
Key projects which require additional support currently ongoing in the team are:
The purpose of the role is to support the economics team on a variety of projects under the banner of economics of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Current topics are varied and therefore the preferences of the post holder can be taken into account when allocating work.
Key projects which require additional support currently ongoing in the team are:
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Your career
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK. You will be asked to:
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift & Interview
Sift will take place on 21st and 22nd of October 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place in person between 4th and 12th of November 2026 at Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH and Northern Research Station, Roslin EH25 9SY.
Applicants invited to attend for interview will be required to prepare a presentation. The topic and further instructions will be provided to candidates shortlisted for interview.
At the Interview stage, you will be assessed on your experience, your technical skills, presentation and the 3 following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service and Working Together. The presentation will be evaluated against both knowledge of economics and communication of economics.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Visa Sponsorship
FR Holds a Licence To Sponsor Skilled Workers Under The Home Office Points-based Immigration System. Candidates Wishing To Apply Should Note That The Likelihood Of Obtaining Sponsorship Would Depend On An Assessment Of This Role Against Defined Criteria, Which Include:
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Summary
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, across Great Britain. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.
FR’s Centre for Forest Management applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the resilience and value of Britain's trees, woods and forests. As part of this centre, the Forestry Economics Research Unit within FR’s Climate Change Research Group aims to provide outstanding forestry economics research - developing the evidence base, recognised for scientific excellence, objective and authoritative advice, and valued for its effective contribution to addressing key issues of forest policy and management. We work with end users and the wider science community to ensure that research is directed to priority issues and helps inform government policy and sector practice.
The Unit currently has six team members and is involved in a wide range of interdisciplinary projects. These include forest sector modelling, agroforestry, policy nudges in forestry and agriculture, and development of a Woodland Water Code to encourage greater private sector investment in UK woodland creation for water-related benefits. We also support the core funded programmes under the Science and Innovation Strategy for GB forestry with projects such as optimal rotation length modelling and the economics of climate change adaptation and mitigation. We are looking to expand our team to be able to enhance our capacity and capability to deliver such a broad set of interesting projects. The unit is split in terms of location between Northern Research Station in Roslin and Alice Holt in Farnham.
Job Description
The purpose of the role is to support the economics team on a variety of projects under the banner of economics of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Current topics are varied and therefore the preferences of the post holder can be taken into account when allocating work.
Key projects which require additional support currently ongoing in the team are:
- Development of a Forest Sector Model (FSM) – this project looks to combine the biophysical elements of forest dynamics to economic markets to run climate scenarios, for example, to understand how the forestry sector might respond under alternative scenarios
- Developing the timber evidence base - this project proposes the development of a novel Bayesian hierarchical structural time-series (BSTS) model to forecast softwood and hardwood utilisation in the UK economy. Outputs of which will directly support sustainable forest management by improving demand projections for domestic timber, informing afforestation strategies, and enhancing resilience to supply disruptions.
- Compound risks – this project uses Bayesian Decision Theory to translate a list of risks into decision-relevant insights through a scenario-based economic optimisation framework. This enables comparison of adaptation strategies in terms of costs and benefits analysis (CBA) under climate uncertainty.
- Economics of tree pests and disease – looking at the economic impact on GB forestry of pest and disease and cost effectiveness analysis of management options.
- Literature and evidence reviews – to summarise current understanding on a topic. This will either be used to develop a future research path or used for inputs into specific models (e.g. FSM)
- Data collection and quality assurance – for input into specific models (for example the ones mentioned above)
- Econometric and data analysis where relevant on specific projects under the leadership of a senior economist
- Contribute writing reports on economic research undertaken by themselves and the team, involving synthesising and clearly summarising the approach and results in plain English, to deliver Forest Research’s objectives for sustainable forest management – under the direction of a senior economist
- Engaging with stakeholders (for example Defra, devolved administrations and industry bodies like Confor) along with a senior economist to understand their research requirements and communicate research findings (for example through discussion or giving a presentation)
- New economic research under the direction of a senior economist – further to projects specifically mentioned above
- External income generation through supporting the writing of bids for funding research under the direction of a senior economist
The purpose of the role is to support the economics team on a variety of projects under the banner of economics of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Current topics are varied and therefore the preferences of the post holder can be taken into account when allocating work.
Key projects which require additional support currently ongoing in the team are:
- Development of a Forest Sector Model (FSM) – this project looks to combine the biophysical elements of forest dynamics to economic markets to run climate scenarios, for example, to understand how the forestry sector might respond under alternative scenarios
- Developing the timber evidence base - this project proposes the development of a novel Bayesian hierarchical structural time-series (BSTS) model to forecast softwood and hardwood utilisation in the UK economy. Outputs of which will directly support sustainable forest management by improving demand projections for domestic timber, informing afforestation strategies, and enhancing resilience to supply disruptions.
- Compound risks – this project uses Bayesian Decision Theory to translate a list of risks into decision-relevant insights through a scenario-based economic optimisation framework. This enables comparison of adaptation strategies in terms of costs and benefits analysis (CBA) under climate uncertainty.
- Economics of tree pests and disease – looking at the economic impact on GB forestry of pest and disease and cost effectiveness analysis of management options.
- Literature and evidence reviews – to summarise current understanding on a topic. This will either be used to develop a future research path or used for inputs into specific models (e.g. FSM)
- Data collection and quality assurance – for input into specific models (for example the ones mentioned above)
- Econometric and data analysis where relevant on specific projects under the leadership of a senior economist
- Contribute writing reports on economic research undertaken by themselves and the team, involving synthesising and clearly summarising the approach and results in plain English, to deliver Forest Research’s objectives for sustainable forest management – under the direction of a senior economist
- Engaging with stakeholders (for example Defra, devolved administrations and industry bodies like Confor) along with a senior economist to understand their research requirements and communicate research findings (for example through discussion or giving a presentation)
- New economic research under the direction of a senior economist – further to projects specifically mentioned above
- External income generation through supporting the writing of bids for funding research under the direction of a senior economist
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- Economics degree (or joint degree with majority (over 50%) economics course credits/components)
- Some experience in environmental or ecological economics (through studying specific modules at university and/or having some work experience in the topic)
- Significant experience in data analysis skills to undertake data validation and descriptive statistics
- Ability to apply microeconomic theory
- Good standard of verbal and written communication, including writing reports Highly competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages, especially MS Excel
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
- Experience of working in research or environmental economics and/or Bayesian methods
- Interest in all or any of: decision theory, risk modelling, economic optimisation, cost benefit analysis and/or time series econometrics
- Coding skills – R and/or Python
- Evidence of applied econometric skills
- Experience of spatial software, such as ArcGIS
- Experience of raising external income
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Microeconomic theory
Your career
- Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
- access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
- flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
- A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
- Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
- a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary
- an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
- Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
- Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
- With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK. You will be asked to:
- Complete a CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role
- Submit a Personal Statement (limited to 500 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria as outlined in the person specification
- Provide a 250-word statement for each of the following Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service and Working Together
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift & Interview
Sift will take place on 21st and 22nd of October 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place in person between 4th and 12th of November 2026 at Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH and Northern Research Station, Roslin EH25 9SY.
Applicants invited to attend for interview will be required to prepare a presentation. The topic and further instructions will be provided to candidates shortlisted for interview.
At the Interview stage, you will be assessed on your experience, your technical skills, presentation and the 3 following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service and Working Together. The presentation will be evaluated against both knowledge of economics and communication of economics.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Visa Sponsorship
FR Holds a Licence To Sponsor Skilled Workers Under The Home Office Points-based Immigration System. Candidates Wishing To Apply Should Note That The Likelihood Of Obtaining Sponsorship Would Depend On An Assessment Of This Role Against Defined Criteria, Which Include:
- Whether the Job role has been identified as being a Critical Role in FR, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan, and / or
- Whether the Job role is a known Capability gap, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan for the relevant Centre, and
- Evidence of significant recruitment challenges in filling the Job role previously
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Education
Bachelor Degree
Skills
Economic AnalysisMicroeconomic TheoryEnvironmental EconomicsData AnalysisData ValidationDescriptive StatisticsEconometricsLiterature ReviewsEvidence ReviewsReport WritingStakeholder EngagementMicrosoft ExcelBayesian MethodsCost-Benefit AnalysisEconomic ModellingCommunication
About Forestry Commission
What do we do? We provide grants, licences and advice to private woodland owners to encourage new tree planting and to help keep private forests under sustainable management. Our plant health officers inspect wood imports at ports to minimise the risk from foreign pests and diseases. Our experts work with local authorities and landowners to contain and control any spread. We licence tree felling to protect our woodlands for generations to come.
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