Butterfly Verification Assistant (Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

Butterfly Verification Assistant (Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

Butterfly Conservation’s science depends on the flow of data gathered by the 20,000 regular local record அட்ட uma11902; recorders, which is checked (verified) through the network of County Recorders. Butterfly and moth recording is more popular than ever, and County Recorders need help to harvest and verify all of the valuable data generated by the growing recording community.

The role of Verification Assistant is pivotal in supporting the County Recorder network with the verification and collation of records to keep the data flowing into our world class recording schemes. The data collected are used for scientific research, conservation decisions, and influencing land management policy for the benefit of butterflies and moths.

As a Verification Assistant, you will be part of a strong network of 200+ volunteer County Recorders and Verification Assistants, usingолее your skills and expertise to 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 at Butterfly Conservation will support the Verification Assistants, providing training as appropriate.

Please note that this role will focus on the verification of data received through the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) in Hampshire and the Isle Of Wight. An interest in processing data using Excel would be advantageous in this role. As Verification Assistant you will need to liaise closely with the Local Area Transect Coordinators for Hampshire and IOW.

Help us save butterflies and moths and make the environment better.

More about this role

Volunteer role

Butterfly Verification Assistant

Volunteer manager

Recording Schemes 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 directly 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

• 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
• Process national scheme records in accordance with our training, instruction, data policy and GDPR
• Perform validation checks in Excel or NBN Record Cleaner

The skills you need

• Proficient at butterfly identification or willing to work with others to learn this
• Knowledge of species flight times and distributions or access to this information
• 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 opportunityೇನೆ ཁགམારчный 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 on 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 მუდმ annual refreshers, for example GDPR. Please be aware that our insurance cover differs slightly for people aged 75 or over. Please contact the Volunteering zweit team for more information.