Moth Verification Assistant

Butterfly Conservation’s science depends on the flow of data gathered by the 20,000 regular local 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.

This role is suitable for anyone with an interest in biological recording and ability to independently verify records of a range of butterfly/moth species with a high degree of accuracy. The Recording team at Butterfly Conservation will support the Verification Assistants, providing training as appropriate.

• Volunteer role:
  Moth Verification Assistant
• Volunteer manager:
  Recording Schemes Officer
• Based:
  Home
• Availability: 02/06/2026 – 02/12/2026

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:
Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM) and the National Moth Recording Scheme (NMRS).

• 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 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

• Proficient at moth identification or willing to learn
• A knowledge of species flight times and distributions or access to this information
• A willingness to learn more about moths
• Personal computer password protected with up-to-date antivirus software and internet connection
• Personable and approachable attitude
• Ability to represent Butterfly Conservation and its values

• Full training to carry out the role, including iRecord verification training
• Additional training available, including QGIS (geospatial data visualisation)
• Improved and ongoing knowledge of moths
• Opportunities for mentoring from County Recorders
• Chance to contribute to Butterfly Conservation’s world‑class recording schemes, and ultimately science and research
• An opportunity to make a real difference to people, moths and the environment in the local area and beyond

This role can be performed year‑round or seasonally depending upon 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 including health and safety, GDPR, Safeguarding and Widening Participation / EDI as needed.

Some of the training may involve annual refreshers, for example GDPR. Please be aware that our insurance cover differs slightly for people aged 75 or over. Please contact the Volunteering Team for more information.