Apiculture Inspector - Honey Bee Surveillance

Job Description

Casual Apiculture Inspector – Honey Bee Surveillance

Location: Various: Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Canterbury. Travel required.

The Opportunity

Are you interested in biosecurity, the apiculture industry, and protecting New Zealand’s honeybee population?

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Casual Apiculture Inspector to support exotic honey bee pest and disease surveillance across various locations in New Zealand

The purpose of the role is to carry out targeted seasonal apiary inspections and sampling for exotic honey bee pests and diseases as part of MPI’s National Apiculture Surveillance Programme delivered by AsureQuality.

You will play an important role in helping protect New Zealand’s bee industry by inspecting selected apiaries for exotic bee pests and diseases.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently, travelling for apiary inspections, and contributing to New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts. The majority of inspection and sampling activities take place between March and May annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend annual refresher training and any other required training programmes
• Obtain and maintain the required AP2 warrant for exotic bee pest and disease surveillance.
• Undertake inspections of selected apiaries to identify exotic bee pests and diseases.
• Collect appropriate samples and submit them to MPI’s Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) in accordance with the required specifications and procedures.
• Enter inspection and sampling data electronically, ensuring records are accurate and updated as required.
• Ensure sufficient allocated apiaries are inspected and sampled to achieve the inspection and sampling targets within the timeframes specified in the relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Statement of Work (SOW).
• Assist with special projects and other related activities as required.

Qualifications

About You

You will be organised, self-motivated, and comfortable working under direction while maintaining strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least two years’ beekeeping experience, with a good understanding of beekeeping practices and hive husbandry.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate record-keeping.
• Good time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to maintain a professional approach and build positive relationships with stakeholders.
• The ability to follow established procedures and sampling protocols.
• A flexible approach to work and a willingness to travel as required
• The physical fitness required to undertake field inspections in outdoor environments and access apiary sites.
• No bee allergies, as the role involves working in close proximity to bees.
• An interest in apiculture, biosecurity, or the protection of New Zealand’s primary industries
• Current Disease Elimination Conformity Agreement (DECA) under the AFB Pest Management Plan operated by NZBB.

Additional Information

If you have the beekeeping experience we’re looking for and are keen to play a part in protecting New Zealand’s honey bee industry, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join us in supporting the health of our bees and protecting New Zealand’s biosecurity.

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Enter salary or hourly pay range (+ pay grade, if known): 37.72 per hour