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 james.harding-morris@bsbi.or

Please refer the Job description for details