Apiary Inspector 2

Description

Duties Description

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking two Apiary Inspector 2s to work in Cayuga County and Schoharie County. Apiary Inspectors travel to and inspect honeybee colonies to ensure the health and vitality of managed pollinators in New York State. Apiary Inspectors ensure that colony management procedures follow State laws and regulations; recommend appropriate measures for the prevention, treatment, and control of honeybee diseases, and the management of colonies; and ensure that migratory honeybee colony transports are consistent with regulation of other states.

Apiary Inspector 2 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 need.

The Apiary Inspector 2 duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Working independently without oversight and of ranging complexity:
• Identifying the visible symptoms of various brood diseases and disease symptoms in adult bees.
• 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 exotic pests or diseased colonies.
• Investigating beekeeper complaints as directed by the Albany office.
• Recording, preparing, and submitting various pay and travel expense forms, daily reports, and apiary inspection records.
• Utilizing GPS programs or maps in locating apiaries.
• Working independently to plan and organize work based on priority, risk, and location.
• Supervising Apiary Inspector 1s and Trainees and balancing workload as required in assigned area.
• Providing training and guidance to Inspectors where problems arise with beekeepers, bee equipment, or laws relating to bee diseases, bee sales, or transportation of bees.
• Monitoring work performance of inspectors and supply additional technical training as needed.
• Reviewing inspectors’ various reports for accuracy and completeness and assuring they conform to Division of Plant Industry guidelines.
• Communicating activities and issues of importance regularly to the State Apiculturist. including bringing issues of.
• Initiating group supply orders required by inspectors in their work assignments.
• Ensuring the use of and performing maintenance on Department issued technology, such as an iPhone, iPad, computer, and other associated software applications as related to work duties.
• Traveling extensively as needed for training, complaints, and other duties.
• 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.
  
  

The duties of the position require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, and the opportunity for NYS Pension Plan membership.

Salary And Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Apiary Inspector 2 ($28.76/Hour): Five years of experience* in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season (minimum of 60 working days) as an Apiary Inspector 1.

• Substitution: Possession of 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology may substitute for 2 years of experience.
  
  

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. This would include the ability to remove and replace combs, queen excluders and other bee equipment properly without killing the queen and some bees.
• 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 computer.
• Be available to relocate to other areas within New York State for limited periods of time during emergency situations.
• Be physically able to bend, reach, and lift 60-80 pounds many times during the workday.
• Possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license, preferably issued by New York State.
  
  

Additional Comments

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.