John Norton, Editor of BSBI News, our flagship membership publication, is looking to recruit volunteers to join the editorial team and assist with production of BSBI News. This is a great opportunity for early-career botanists looking to build up skills and experience in publishing and science communication, but we welcome applications from plant-lovers at all career stages. You don't need to be a BSBI member to volunteer to join the editorial team, although for some tasks we may need you to sign our Data Handling Policy.
Tasks
Volunteers would be asked to:
- help with initial copy-editing and formatting of contributions received
- help with proof-reading the submissions
- liaise with authors and contributors to send out proofs
- liaise with the Editor and the BSBI Communications Officer to prepare sample issues to promote the magazine and BSBI in general to non-members
- help promote BSBI News at in-house events and on social media
- assist with other aspects of the editorial role as required.
Skills required
Successful candidates would need to posses the following skills:
- good writing and editing skills
- proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word
- a high level of botanical expertise is not required but a reasonable understanding of botanical terminology and knowledge of English and scientific plant names would be advantageous.
Successful candidates need not be BSBI members but would be expected to support BSBI's vision, goals and values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan.
How much time would be needed?
Training offered - and a further opportunity
Help and training on all aspects of the tasks outlined above would be offered as needed, with the possibility of extra training, e.g. on the use of publishing software, so that a suitable volunteer could be taken on as Assistant Editor of BSBI News in the future.
Interested? Here's how to apply:
Please contact John Norton, BSBI News Editor, for an informal chat.
John's email: john.norton@bsbi.org