Apiary Manager

About the role

The Apiary Manager will work under the guidance of program leadership to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Othello Research Apiary. In this role, you will collaborate closely with research faculty and oversee the daily and seasonal activities required to maintain between 150 and 400 honey bee colonies.

You will maintain hives that support research experiments, honey production, and pollination services while contributing to the overall mission of the program. You will maintain a large number of honey bee colonies and manage all beekeeping operations at the Othello Honey Bee and Pollinator Research Facility in Othello, Washington.

Responsibilities

• Directing and coordinating daily apiary operations
• Managing bee colonies
• Assembling woodenware
• Operating forklifts
• Harvesting and extracting honey
• Performing other duties necessary to support program operations
• Traveling to apiary sites throughout Washington, with occasional extended stays in California
• Working outdoors in potentially challenging conditions, including hot temperatures, wind exposure, insect bites and stings, and uneven terrain
• Providing leadership and guidance for beekeeping activities
• Managing operational services
• Assisting with budget planning and resource allocation
• Working alongside employees in the field to perform beekeeping duties

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a field related to the functional managerial area which has included at least one (1) year of supervisory experience
• Experience managing large number of bee hives (at least 150 hives)
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to effectively interact with people in a positive manner
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards
• WA State pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Basic computer skills required, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), internet searching, email communications, and Zoom virtual meetings
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs short distances without assistive tools
• Fine motor manipulation for safe handling of honey bees, including delicate pinching and using forceps
• Ability to maintain equipment without instruction

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts or other industrial equipment
• Experience operating a larger vehicle with cargo and/or trailer
• Ability to operate vehicles using automatic and manual transmission, four-wheel drive
• Demonstrated experience in a team leadership position
• Additional beekeeping specialty experience including, but not limited to: honey bee research, queen rearing, pollen trapping, monitoring, pest management

Qualifications and Benefits

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement. This is a temporary position expected to end one year after date of hire. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend.

Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $6,763 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Schedule

Work schedules will vary based on seasonal demands and may include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.