Apiary Inspector (Temporary)

Are you eager to play a vital role in safeguarding Pennsylvania's natural environment? Consider joining our dedicated team within the Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division! In this essential position, you will engage in important efforts to protect the health and vitality of bee populations, combating harmful pests and diseases while ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania's Bee Law. Your contributions will be crucial in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting local agriculture. Do not miss this opportunity to make a difference-apply today and become a steward of our state's invaluable natural resources!

In this position, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Apiary Program within the Department of Agriculture by providing assistance across office, field, and laboratory settings. As an apiary inspector, your responsibilities will include reaching out to beekeepers to schedule inspections of their bee colonies, where you will assess for the presence of harmful pests and diseases. You will conduct and analyze field tests, as well as collect samples that will be submitted to the State Apiarist for confirmation of any honey bee pathogens, pests, or other issues. Additionally, you will be responsible for issuing detailed reports following apiary inspections and communicating the results of laboratory tests to the owners of the sampled bees. Furthermore, you will assist the State Apiarist in the enforcement of the Bee Law, ensuring that beekeeping practices adhere to established regulations and contribute to the overall health of bee populations.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time, temporary employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Home HQ: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
• This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a beekeeper or in related work affording a knowledge of bee handling and bee disease or one year of college course work, majoring in a biological field including a course in apiculture; or 6 months beekeeping experience and a beekeeping short course; or

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid Pennsylvania Class C driver's license.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Experience managing honeybee colonies.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.