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- Tasks: Manage and maintain species occurrence data for moths and butterflies.
- Company: Join Butterfly Conservation, a leader in biodiversity conservation efforts.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while collaborating with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large datasets and proficiency in SQL required.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel to events and partner organisations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about moths, butterflies, and data management? We are partnering with Butterfly Conservation to find a talented Biological Data Officer to join their team and support the UK Recording Scheme databases, including the National Moth Recording Scheme and Butterflies for the New Millennium databases. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is excited about combining biological science, data management, and conservation efforts.
What You’ll Do:
As a Biological Data Officer, you will play a key role in managing and maintaining essential species occurrence data, ensuring it’s accurate, accessible, and properly validated. You will work closely with County Recorders, volunteers, and Butterfly Conservation teams to support the processing and sharing of moth and butterfly data.
- Data Collation & Management: Collate and manage local datasets of moth and butterfly records, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into the UK Recording Scheme databases, using a variety of formats and sources.
- Data Analysis & Processing: Develop and implement procedures for data storage, manipulation, validation, and export.
- Documentation & Procedures: Maintain clear, up-to-date procedures that ensure compliance with biological recording standards.
- Support & Guidance: Provide technical support to staff, volunteers, and County Recorders, helping them with data storage, validation, verification, and analysis.
- Training & Advocacy: Support staff, volunteers, and partners in using Butterfly Conservation’s recording systems and advocate for the organisation’s data policies.
- Promotion & Representation: Help raise awareness about moths, butterflies, and conservation efforts through talks, social media, and at events such as conferences and exhibitions.
What We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a candidate with a passion for both biology and data management who is eager to make an impact in biodiversity conservation. The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience with Large Databases: Extensive experience in managing large datasets, including data import/export in different formats, data storage, security, manipulation, reporting, and analysis.
- Database Systems Expertise: Strong experience in setting up, maintaining, and reviewing computer systems, particularly databases, and improving protocols for data management, import/export, and interoperability.
- Technical Expertise: At least two years of relevant experience in data management, specifically handling large volumes of wildlife observation data.
- SQL Skills: Proficiency in SQL and experience with PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
- Data Manipulation: Strong data manipulation skills, with the ability to analyse complex datasets effectively.
- Administrative Skills: Solid administrative skills, including experience working in office or remote/virtual environments.
- Technical Support: Proven experience providing technical support to colleagues, especially those with less technical expertise.
Additionally, you should be a resourceful problem-solver with considerable experience in relational databases and SQL, as well as defining validation and data cleaning protocols. You’ll be familiar with best practices for data standards and regulatory considerations. In this role, you will also be working with a diverse group of volunteers across the UK who use different software systems, which means experience in integrating multiple datasets into a national database will be key. Your ability to guide and support others in data management and collaboration will be essential.
Why You Should Apply:
- Make a Difference: Play a pivotal role in protecting moths and butterflies through data-driven conservation efforts.
- Work with Experts: Collaborate with passionate colleagues and partner organisations dedicated to conservation excellence.
- Flexible Working: Enjoy the benefits of flexible working options to suit your lifestyle.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and career development in both the biological and conservation sectors.
Location: Flexible / Remote with occasional travel to key events and partner organisations.
If you’re ready to apply your love for nature and expertise in data management, apply now and join Butterfly Conservation’s mission to protect moths, butterflies, and biodiversity!
Biological Data Officer employer: Butterfly Conservation
Contact Detail:
Butterfly Conservation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biological Data Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the conservation and data management fields. Attend relevant conferences or events where you can meet people from Butterfly Conservation and other organisations. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific databases mentioned in the job description, such as the National Moth Recording Scheme and Butterflies for the New Millennium. Understanding their structure and how they operate will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills by working on personal projects that involve data management and analysis. This could include creating a small database of local moths or butterflies, which will not only enhance your skills but also provide concrete examples to discuss in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with SQL and data manipulation in detail. Be ready to explain how you've used these skills in past roles, particularly in relation to wildlife observation data, as this will be crucial for the Biological Data Officer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Biological Data Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in biological data management, particularly with large datasets and SQL. Emphasise any previous roles that involved collaboration with volunteers or conservation efforts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for moths and butterflies, as well as your technical expertise. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed data in the past and how it relates to the role.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in SQL and experience with database systems like PostgreSQL/PostGIS. Include any relevant projects where you developed data storage or validation procedures.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since the role involves providing support and guidance, demonstrate your communication skills. Mention experiences where you've trained others or advocated for data policies, especially in a conservation context.
How to prepare for a job interview at Butterfly Conservation
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for moths, butterflies, and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to biodiversity and how data management plays a role in these efforts.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with large databases and SQL. Bring examples of past projects where you managed data, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with County Recorders and volunteers, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've supported others in data management or training, demonstrating your communication skills and teamwork.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the Biological Data Officer position and Butterfly Conservation's goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.
