Botanical Skills Project Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen to become the Botanical Skills Project Manager for our Botanical Skills Training Project in Northern Ireland, a project funded by DAERA from the carrier-bag levy in Northern Ireland. The post holder will deliver the remaining two and half years of our five-year, multi-strand, collaborative programme of botanical training and recording in Northern Ireland, increase participation and coverage for the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) in NI, and improve quantity and quality of data and flow of plant records.

We are looking for an experienced project manager with strong coordination and communication skills. The core role is available for three or four days per week, depending on availability. However, for candidates with well-developed botanical skills — such as a FISC Level 5 or equivalent — we would be happy to extend the role to four or five days per week to include responsibility for delivering some training.

The post holder will be responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including line management of two part-time Training Officers, developing partnerships with a wide range of organisations, and working closely with the botanical community in Northern Ireland. This includes collaborating with BSBI County Recorders, identifying training and recording needs, and ensuring good data flow to the BSBI’s Distribution Database (DDb).

A key part of the role involves supporting the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) in Northern Ireland. You will work with BSBI colleagues, as well as partners such as Plantlife, UKCEH, JNCC and DAERA, to increase NPMS participation and site coverage. You will help organise and promote training, support volunteers and mentors, maintain key landowner relationships, and contribute to NPMS communications such as newsletters, blog posts and social media.

If the successful applicant has the relevant botanical expertise and the availability to work 4-5 days a week, they will also lead the design and delivery of plant identification and field recording training. This will include developing and piloting new courses for a range of skill levels and habitats and running field-based events in key sites including protected areas.

This is an exciting and varied position for someone with a passion for wild plants, strong project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with partners, volunteers and colleagues across the conservation and recording community. The work you do will make a real contribution to the understanding and protection of Northern Ireland’s plants, and help build a stronger, more connected botanical community.

If you have any questions about this role please contact [email protected]