Training Officer - Northern Ireland Botanical Skills Project 3 days per week 3-year funded project Location: Northern Ireland No CVs or agencies please Could you help us nurture and develop botanical skills across Northern Ireland and grow participation in the National Plant Monitoring Scheme? 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 Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. The Department assists the sustainable development of the agri-food, environmental, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, having regard for the needs of the consumers, the protection of human, animal and plant health, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment. About the role An exciting part-time (3 days a week) opportunity has arisen to join our DAERA-funded Botanical Skills Training Project in Northern Ireland. The post holder will work with our Botanical Skills Officer and alongside another 3-days-a-week Training Officer to support the delivery of the remaining three years of our multi-strand, collaborative programme of botanical training and recording in Northern Ireland. This role will help 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. This role will include the development, trialling, promotion and delivery of plant identification and recording training courses for different skill levels, taxa and habitats. The post holder needs to be at least a level 3 on our Botanical Skills Ladder. The post holder will also work closely with BSBI staff, along with other National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) partners (Plantlife, UKCEH, JNCC, DAERA) and coordinators, to facilitate increased participation and coverage of the National Plant Monitoring Scheme in NI. The post holder will work with the botanical community in NI, including BSBI County Recorders, to identify and support training and recording needs, and to raise the profile of botany and BSBI. The job description and person specification can be found on our website. Working within our small, friendly staff team who operate remotely across Britain and Ireland, the post holder would preferably work a hybrid combination between home and the DAERA Offices in Belfast. Applications must be received by midnight on Sunday 13 April. Interviews will be held online on the 23rd April. The postholder would ideally take up the position in June but we can be flexible and accept start dates in July or early August. BSBI aims to uphold the principles of equality and diversity in all its activity, including the recruitment and employment of staff. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified or experienced people, regardless of situation or background. We particularly welcome applicants from those who are currently underrepresented in our sector, such as disabled people and individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Should you have any questions about the role or require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please get in touch through recruitmentbsbi.org.