Apiary Inspector

JOB OBJECTIVES: Incumbent is responsible for planning and administering county-wide inspection and enforcement activity related to apiarian laws and regulations per Chapter 909 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Inspect apiaries for proper beekeeping practices and presence of disease and pests to honey bees; prepare written reports on inspections and their findings.

• Provide education and technical information to beekeepers for treatment and control of health issues.

• Review the methods and procedures used by beekeepers to manage hives to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations per ORC 909.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related Essential and Non-Essential functions as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENT

Equipment: Ability to use the following equipment: motor vehicle, smokers, chemicals, gloves, hive tools, and veils.

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of honey bee health issues including but not limited to hive, brood and adult bee pests, parasites and pathogens. Knowledge of methods for treatment and eradication, when possible.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations applying to the prevention and control of honey bee health issues.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to Ohio beekeeping practices.

• Ability to create and sustain positive relationships with hobby, sideline and commercial beekeepers.

• Possess a high standard for ethical conduct, honesty, integrity and respect.

• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.

• Demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.

• Possess the ability to track his/her time, inspections and mileage.

Job Standards: Experience keeping honey bees and ability to recognize honey bee pests and diseases. Must be appointed by the Portage County Board of Commissioners with the consent and concurrence of the Department of Agriculture. Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and maintain continuing eligibility under the existing County driver eligibility standards.

RESPONSIBILITY

Work involves examining honey bee colonies, using protective equipment, to inspect for various health related issues. County Apiary Inspectors are a critical part of the inspection program and help to stop the spread of American foulbrood and other serious diseases and pests that have been found in Ohio. Incumbent carries out assignments with very little supervision. Errors may cause serious health related issues to honey bees and adverse affect to pollination of fruit, vegetable and seed crops in Ohio.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent has contacts with apiary owners, other apiary inspectors, co-workers and employees of the County. The purpose of these contacts is to provide information, services and assistance to apiary owners and to ensure compliance with policies procedures, laws and regulations per ORC 909. Contacts with apiary owners and operators will also include instruction on proper procedures and safety measures. Incumbent is representing The State of Ohio, Portage County and the Ohio Beekeeping Industry.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: Incumbent may be required to lift up to seventy five (75) pounds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Activity: Incumbent performs the following physical activities: stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, driving, and repetitive motions.

Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing job is beyond arm’s reach. Incumbent must be able to see well enough to drive vehicles.

Job Location: Incumbent works outside majority of the time with exposure to weather of temperatures ranging from 60 degrees up to 100 degrees for periods in excess of one (1) hour. Inspections occur from March 15 through October 31.