Biological Data Support Officer
Butterfly Conservation
Responsible To: Head of Biological Data
Location: Home based, with occasionally the wider UK
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week (1 FTE)
Contract: 12-month fixed term post
We believe our work has never been more important.
This role provides continuity for the vital task of uploading butterfly and moth records into the national recording scheme databases. You will follow protocols for preparing and technically validating datasets from varied sources, then import the records into Recorder 6, using your experience of relational databases and SQL, your attention to detail and good data management practices.
You will work with volunteer data managers to receive datasets and provide them with technical support. You will also help colleagues to deliver data-manipulation tasks as required, and perform exports of records from the database to help important conservation and science projects.
Job Purpose
- To assist with the maintenance of, and import data to, the National Moth Recording Scheme and Butterflies for the New Millennium database.
- To provide moth and butterfly data exports as required.
Main responsibilities
- Carry out a schedule of import procedures, including validation of moth and butterfly datasets from multiple and varied sources and formats, supporting the UK Recording Scheme to contain data that are high quality, standardised and securely stored.
- Document progress and assist with the maintenance of metadata.
- As required, provide technical guidance on the data and systems to staff and volunteers with the support of colleagues, including liaison with and feedback to volunteers to facilitate data flow.
- Ensure any personal data processed are valid and current in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) or subsequent provisions.
- Carry out occasional database extracts, making biological records available to projects as required, in accordance with data policies.
- Assist the organisation with ad hoc data manipulation tasks and the promotion of moths, butterflies, recording and conservation to wide audiences.
General
- Promote BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
- Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.
- Work in accordance with BC’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
- Actively participate in on-going professional development activities.
Candidates must have the right to work and be resident in the UK.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early before the advertised closing date and time.
Closing date: Sunday, 4 January 2026 at 23:59. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 14th January 2026.
REF-225 545
About Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly Conservation is a vibrant, inspiring place to work and we're passionate about connecting people to nature. We're looking to recruit passionate ‘can-do’ people who can help us to create a world where butterflies and moths thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, forever.
- Butterfly Conservation is a charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths, and our natural environment. We are a leading authority on the conservation of these beautiful creatures – key indicators of a healthy ecosystem – and we have achieved numerous successes for them locally and nationally.
- Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff.
- We employ world-class conservation scientists, making us the world’s largest research institute for butterflies and moths. Our data is used by government and policymakers to make a long-term difference for the environment.
- We are actively involved in hands-on conservation throughout the UK, at every level from individual households to landscape-scale habitats, working tirelessly to make a difference for butterflies, moths, and our environment – and to benefit all wildlife and the ecosystems upon which life depends.
- We run projects to protect threatened species, and we are involved in conserving hundreds of other sites across the UK.
Butterfly Conservation is a vibrant, inspiring place to work and we're passionate about connecting people to nature. We're looking to recruit passionate ‘can-do’ people who can help us to create a world where butterflies and moths thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, forever. Butterfly Conservation is a charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths, and our natural environment. We are a leading authority on the conservation of these beautiful creatures – key indicators of a healthy ecosystem – and we have achieved numerous successes for them locally and nationally. Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff. We employ world-class conservation scientists, making us the world’s largest research institute for butterflies and moths. Our data is used by government and policymakers to make a long-term difference for the environment. We are actively involved in hands-on conservation throughout the UK, at every level from individual households to landscape-scale habitats, working tirelessly to make a difference for butterflies, moths, and our environment – and to benefit all wildlife and the ecosystems upon which life depends. We run projects to protect threatened species, and we are involved in conserving hundreds of other sites across the UK.
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