At a Glance
- Tasks: Verify and collate butterfly records to support conservation efforts.
- Company: Butterfly Conservation, a leading organisation in butterfly and moth protection.
- Benefits: Full training, mentoring opportunities, and the chance to make a real environmental impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help protect butterflies while enhancing your knowledge.
- Qualifications: Interest in biological recording and willingness to learn about butterfly identification.
- Other info: Flexible role with year-round or seasonal options, plus ongoing training provided.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
Butterfly Conservation’s science depends on data collected by ~20,000 local recorders, which is checked by a network of County Recorders. Recording is more popular than ever and County Recorders need help harvesting and verifying the growing volume of data.
The Verification Assistant supports the County Recorder network by verifying and collating records, ensuring that valuable data flow into our world‑class recording schemes. The information gathered is used for scientific research, conservation decisions, and influencing land‑management policy to protect butterflies and moths.
As a verification assistant you will be part of a strong network of over 200 volunteer County Recorders and Verification Assistants. Your skills and expertise will directly help conserve butterflies and moths. This role is suitable for anyone with an interest in biological recording and some knowledge of butterfly and/or moth identification. The Recording team will provide training; beginners can start by verifying records with photographs of easy species, and later widen the remit as skills develop.
Volunteer roleWhere you will be based: Home
Why we want youVerification Assistants play a key role in supporting the County Recorder network, the critical link between citizen scientists and the data we manage.
What you will be doing- 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, at least annually in January.
- Discuss timing and formatting requirements of the download with the County Recorder.
- Process national scheme records in accordance with our training, instructions, data policy and GDPR.
- Perform validation checks in Excel or NBN Record Cleaner.
- Proficient at butterfly identification or willing to learn from others.
- Knowledge of species flight times and distributions, or access to this information.
- Willingness to learn more about butterflies.
- Personal computer with password protection, up‑to‑date antivirus software and internet connection.
- Personable and approachable attitude.
- Ability to represent Butterfly Conservation and its values.
- Full training, including iRecord verification training.
- Additional training such as QGIS geospatial data visualisation.
- Improved and ongoing knowledge of butterflies.
- Mentoring opportunities from County Recorders.
- The chance to contribute to world‑class recording schemes, science and research.
- An opportunity to make a real difference to people, butterflies and the environment locally and beyond.
This role can be performed year‑round or seasonally depending on the County Recorder’s requirements. Training and induction sessions will be provided. The programme includes Introduction to BC, essential role‑based induction such as health and safety, GDPR, safeguarding, widening participation / EDI, and optional annual refreshers (e.g., GDPR).
Please note that insurance coverage varies slightly for people aged 75 or over; contact the Volunteering Team for details.
Butterfly Verification Assistant (Cumbria) in Carlisle employer: Butterfly Conservation
Contact Detail:
Butterfly Conservation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Butterfly Verification Assistant (Cumbria) in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Butterfly Conservation community! Join forums or social media groups where you can connect with other volunteers and County Recorders. This will not only help you learn but also show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your butterfly identification skills! Use online resources or apps to familiarise yourself with common species. The more confident you are in identifying butterflies, the better you'll perform as a Verification Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the County Recorder for guidance. They’re there to help you succeed, so ask questions about the verification process or any tricky records you come across. Communication is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and training opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Butterfly Verification Assistant (Cumbria) in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Butterflies: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love butterflies! Share any experiences or knowledge you have about butterfly identification. This will help us see your enthusiasm and commitment to conservation.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your skills and experiences without having to decipher complex sentences!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Butterfly Verification Assistant role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match what we're looking for. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butterfly Conservation
✨Know Your Butterflies
Brush up on your butterfly and moth identification skills before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common species, their flight times, and distributions. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Understand the Role
Read through the job description thoroughly and understand the responsibilities of a Verification Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with verifying records and communicating with County Recorders. This will demonstrate that you’re not just interested in the role, but also understand its importance.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training process, the tools used for verification, or how the team collaborates. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the team and learn more about the conservation efforts.
✨Show Your Approachability
Since this role involves communication with volunteers and recorders, highlight your personable attitude. Share examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or resolved conflicts. This will reassure them that you can represent Butterfly Conservation’s values effectively.