BSBI Project Manager

PLEASE NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We encourage early applications.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) as a Project Manager for two days a week, leading the delivery of two complementary projects in Ireland: the Targeted Aquatic Plant Project and the Irish Grassland Project. Funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), both projects are planned to run over three years (2026–2028), subject to funding, and will play a key role in strengthening botanical skills, improving species data, and raising awareness of important habitats across Ireland. This role does not require botanical knowledge, but an interest in botany would be an advantage.

The post holder will be responsible for planning and delivering both projects, including coordinating field surveys and training events, recruiting contractors to deliver expert training, supporting event delivery, developing training materials, and leading project communications. They will oversee the day-to-day management of both projects, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives, and reporting to funders and partners.

The role will involve organising and supporting a programme of expert-led field events across the Republic of Ireland, aimed at botanists across the skills spectrum, from beginners to experienced recorders, and attending some of these events to support with health and safety and for networking, as the project requires. The post holder will also coordinate the development of supporting resources, including educational leaflets, webinars, and other training materials, working closely with our funder, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

In addition, the Project Manager will play a key role in organising the delivery of targeted botanical surveys, particularly for aquatic species and priority freshwater habitats, helping to address knowledge gaps and contribute high-quality data to inform conservation. They will also lead on communications and outreach, raising awareness of Irish grasslands and aquatic habitats through PR, social media, and other channels, and encouraging wider participation in botanical recording.

About the organisations

The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) is the leading charitable organisation promoting the enjoyment, study and conservation of wild plants in Britain and Ireland. We aim to build a diverse community of skilled and enthused botanists, provide data and science to help address biodiversity loss and climate change and disseminate information to drive a passion for plants. To do this we provide opportunities for involvement for all through a range of participation projects, surveys, indoor and outdoor events, training opportunities and the production of books and other resources. Our Distribution Database (DDb) holds over 50 million plant records, making it one of the world’s largest biological recording databases and in March 2023 we published the third Plant Atlas, mapping changes in the distribution of British and Irish flora. Our latest organisational strategy describes our future plans.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the statutory body responsible for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage. NPWS works to conserve a representative range of ecosystems and to maintain and enhance populations of native flora and fauna. Its role includes the provision of scientific advice on, designation, protection and monitoring of important habitats and species, the implementation of national and EU nature conservation legislation, and the management of State-owned National Parks and Nature Reserves. NPWS also plays a key role in promoting awareness and understanding of biodiversity through education, outreach, and engagement with stakeholders, ensuring that Ireland’s natural heritage is protected and valued for future generations.