Biological Data Officer

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Are you passionate about moths, butterflies, and data management?

Practicus is 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 excited about combining biological science, data management, and conservation efforts.

What You’ll Do:

As a Biological Data Officer, you will manage and maintain essential species occurrence data, ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and proper validation. You will collaborate with County Recorders, volunteers, and Butterfly Conservation teams to support data processing and sharing.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Data Collation & Management: Collate and manage local datasets of moth and butterfly records, ensuring seamless integration into the UK Recording Scheme databases using various formats and sources.
2. Data Analysis & Processing: Develop and implement procedures for data storage, manipulation, validation, and export.
3. Documentation & Procedures: Maintain clear, up-to-date procedures that ensure compliance with biological recording standards.
4. Support & Guidance: Provide technical support to staff, volunteers, and County Recorders for data storage, validation, verification, and analysis.
5. Training & Advocacy: Support users of Butterfly Conservation’s recording systems and promote data policies.
6. Promotion & Representation: Raise awareness about moths, butterflies, and conservation through talks, social media, and events such as conferences and exhibitions.

What We’re Looking For:

We seek a candidate passionate about biology and data management, eager to impact biodiversity conservation. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience with Large Databases: Managing large datasets, including import/export, storage, security, manipulation, reporting, and analysis.
• Database Systems Expertise: Setting up, maintaining, and reviewing database systems, improving data management protocols.
• Technical Expertise: At least two years of relevant experience handling large wildlife observation datasets.
• SQL Skills: Proficiency in SQL and experience with PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
• Data Manipulation: Strong skills in analyzing complex datasets.
• Administrative Skills: Experience working in office or remote environments.
• Technical Support: Proven ability to support colleagues with varying technical skills.

You should be a resourceful problem-solver experienced in relational databases, SQL, validation, and data cleaning protocols. Familiarity with data standards, regulatory considerations, and integrating multiple datasets into a national database is essential. Your ability to guide and support volunteers and colleagues will be key.

Why You Should Apply:

• Make a Difference: Contribute to moth and butterfly conservation through data-driven efforts.
• Work with Experts: Collaborate with passionate conservation professionals and organizations.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible work options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth in biological and conservation sectors.

Location: Flexible / Remote with occasional travel to events and partner organizations.

If you love nature and have data management expertise, apply below or contact Marcus at Practicus!