Apiary Inspector 1 - Western New York

About the role

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking one Apiary Inspector 1 to work in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming County. Apiary Inspectors travel throughout assigned regions to monitor honeybee colony health, ensuring the vitality of managed pollinators across New York State.

Responsibilities

• Identifying the visible symptoms of various brood diseases and disease symptoms in adult bees.
• Sending samples to the Beltsville Bee Lab for confirmation of pest and disease issues.
• Communicating the goals of the inspection program and methods of management to beekeepers to prevent or eliminate bee diseases.
• Issuing quarantine orders to prevent movement of exotic pests or diseased colonies.
• Investigating beekeeper complaints as directed by the Albany office.
• Traveling extensively as needed for training, complaints, and other duties.
• Recording, preparing, and submitting various pay and travel expense forms, daily reports, and apiary inspection records.
• Utilizing GPS programs or maps in locating apiaries.
• Using technology equipment provided including cellphone, tablet (iPad), laptop, and printer.
• Working independently to plan and organize work based on priority, risk, and location.
• Working within policies and procedures set by the Division of Plant Industry and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Enforcing New York Laws relating to bee diseases, bee sales and interstate transportation of bees.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies or 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology for Apiary Inspector Trainee 1.
• Three years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season (minimum of 60 working days) as an Apiary Inspector Trainee 1 for Apiary Inspector Trainee 2.
• Four years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season as an Apiary Inspector Trainee 1 and one season as an Apiary Inspector Trainee 2 for Apiary Inspector 1.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of bee behavior;
• A familiarity with bees, colony, and apiary management practices;
• Knowledge of and working experience with beekeeping equipment;
• The ability to open colonies of bees and to remove combs for visual examination;
• Basic knowledge of both larva and adult bee diseases, their life history, and symptoms;
• Willingness to accept instruction, direction, and training by supervisors and/or experienced inspectors;
• Basic knowledge and familiarity with Department issued technology, such as an iPhone, iPad, and computers;
• Be available to relocate to other areas within New York State for limited periods of time during emergency situations.

Benefits

• Inexpensive Health Insurance options;
• Free Dental and Vision coverage;
• The opportunity for NYS Pension Plan membership.

Pay

$23.00/Hour for Apiary Inspector Trainee 1;
$24.36/Hour for Apiary Inspector Trainee 2;
$25.74/Hour for Apiary Inspector 1.

Schedule

These positions are temporary and seasonal, working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. They work within a defined season beginning around April 1st through November 30th and are dependent on operational needs.