Butterfly Verification Assistant

Can you identify butterflies from photographs, or are you an Excel star? You might be able to help support data checking by the County Recorder network and help our work to save butterflies.

County Recorders are the critical people in the data flow from recorder to the schemes that we manage at Butterfly Conservation. Only data sent to us direct from County Recorders makes it into the two key databases that we collate and manage: the Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM) and the National Moth Recording Scheme (NMRS).

As a Butterfly Verification Assistant you will work from home to digitally help a County Recorder with an aspect of their workload and ensure that data are correct and up to date.

Volunteer role

Butterfly Verification Assistant

Volunteer manager

Senior Surveys Officer

Where you will be based

Home

Why we want you

Verification Assistants have a key role to play in supporting the County Recorders network. County Recorders are the critical people in the data flow from recorder to the schemes that we manage at Butterfly Conservation. Only data sent to us direct from County Recorders makes it into the two key databases that we collate and manage: the Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM) and the National Moth Recording Scheme (NMRS).

What you will be doing

• To verify records in iRecord and other sources
• Establish channels of communication with recorders
• Query dubious records
• Provide regular downloads of verified records to the County Recorder or at least annually in January
• Discuss the timing and formatting requirements and preferences of the download with the County Recorder
• To process national scheme records in accordance with our training, instruction, data policy and GDPR.
• To perform validation checks in Excel or NBN Record Cleaner

The skills you need

• Proficient at butterfly identification or be willing to work with others to learn this
• A knowledge of species flight times and distributions or access to this information
• A willingness to learn more about butterflies
• Personal computer password protected with up-to-date antivirus software and internet connection
• Personable and approachable attitude
• Able to represent Butterfly Conservation and its values

What\’s in it for you

• Full training to carry out the role including, iRecord verification training
• Other training available includes QGIS (geospatial data visualisation)
• Improved and ongoing knowledge of butterflies
• Opportunities for mentoring from County Recorders
• The chance to contribute to Butterfly Conservation’s world-class recording schemes, and ultimately science and research
• An opportunity to make a real difference to people, butterflies and the environment in the local area and beyond

Disclaimer

This role can be performed year-round or seasonally depending upon the requirements of the County Recorder. Training and induction sessions will be provided to Verification Assistants to help support and guide you as you get established in the role. There will be a rolling monthly programme which includes Introduction to BC, Essential role-based induction inc. health and safety, GDPR, Safeguarding and Widening Participation / EDI as needed. Some of the training may involve annual refreshers, for example GDPR. Please be aware that our insurance cover differs slightly for people aged 75 or over. Please contact the Volunteering Team for more information.

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