Butterfly Verification Assistant

Butterfly Verification Assistant (Cumbria)

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.

Butterfly Verification Assistant

Recording Schemes Officer

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Verification Assistants play a key role in supporting the County Recorder network, the critical link between citizen scientists and the data we manage.

• 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.