GMBRG SEEKS Database Assistant

​Database Assistant – Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group 

The Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group (GMBRG) wishes to appoint a Database Assistant (voluntary role) to support the work of the group in conserving Greater Manchester’s birds and the sites on which they depend. GMBRG’s database is a vital tool in this work and provides the most comprehensive and up to date information on the distribution and status of the county’s birds, currently holding over one million records dating back to 1992.    

Role and Responsibilities
The person appointed will work closely with the County Recorder and Assistant County Recorder to deliver the following: 

• Checking/validation of records to ensure their accuracy
• Liaising with GMBRG’s recorders on queries and providing advice to improve the quality and value of their records. 
• Processing records into the database – this aspect of the work will be limited as most recorders input their own records.  
• Preparing files for migration from GMBRG’s old MapMate database to GMLRC’s Swift database.     
• Rare Breeding Birds Panel – assisting with the analysis of records for GMBRG’s annual submission to RBBP https://rbbp.org.uk/
• Encouraging new recorders to submit their records, providing technical support on using Swift and feedback.  
• Ecological Data Searches – most data searches are carried out by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit/Local Record Centre. However, there may be occasions when GMBRG supplies data. 

Essential skills/knowledge

• Good IT skills with experience of using Excel to intermediate level. 
• Excellent communication skills – both written and spoken. 
• In depth knowledge of Greater Manchester’s birds and major sites. 

Personal qualities
A passion for birds and their conservation, enthusiasm, commitment, and the ability to work as part of a small team are all essential. The role would suit either an experienced recorder, or someone who is keen to develop their recording skills and make an important contribution to our knowledge of the county’s birds.  

Training
The successful applicant will receive training in the following areas, as required. 

• The basics of bird recording with the option of progressing to an advanced level 
• How to use Swift, the Greater Manchester Local Record Centre’s online recording system, which is GMBRG’s preferred method of record submission. 
• How to run reports on the GMBRG’s database  
• How to analyse records and what they tell us
• How records are used to support site and species conservation and for other purposes. 

How to apply
Write a summary of your relevant experience and skills and explain why you are interested in taking on the role. Please email this to Ian McKerchar, Greater Manchester County Recorder and GMBRG Chairman [email protected]
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You are welcome to phone Ian for an initial discussion or if you have any further queries, mobile no. 07958 687481