Apiculture / Bees & Beekeeping

Placement Position Title: Technician in apicultural research
Organization Legal name: British Columbia Honey Producers Association
Location: This is a work from home & remote position. Candidates can apply from anywhere in BC, however field and lab work may be required at times with most of this work completed in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

• Branch: BC Technology Transfer Program
• Address: PO Box 5594, Victoria, BC V8R 6S4
• Email: info@ttp-bchpa.ca

Project: Selective breeding for varroa resistance
Type of position: full time (40 h/w, from January 1st, 2025 to January 1st, 2028)
Gross overall salary: CAD $72,000

Anticipated start: January 1st, 2025
Location: British Columbia, preferably Lower Mainland.

Description:

The Technology Transfer Program (BC-TTP), British Columbia Honey Producers Association, is seeking a technician in apiculture to conduct applied research and technology transfer activities related to supporting selective breeding for varroa resistance and overwintering techniques. The aim of the research will be focused on conducting hygienic testing, varroa monitoring, and taking samples across apiaries in 3 different regions of British Columbia. Also, to assist in preparing colonies for overwintering and recording health parameters of experimental hives.

Responsibilities:

The successful individual will be responsible for organizing and conducting hygienic testing, UBeeO testing, conducting mite monitoring using the alcohol wash method, taking records of colony health parameters, taking samples, and assisting with keeping an experimental apiary (including overwintering hives). Additionally, the technician will assist with knowledge transfer activities.

Specific duties will include:

• Travelling to apiaries to conduct tests and collect samples in different regions of BC.
• Conduct beekeeping management, including recording health parameters and overwintering colonies.
• Generate, maintain, and populate databases.
• Communicate with beekeepers and conduct knowledge transfer activities.
• Communicate with the team and work in collaboration with the BC-TTP staff.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures, content creation, and other documentation.

Required skills and experience

• Education and interest in relevant disciplines. Preferably with a graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or other related fields;
• Education or experience in commercial beekeeping, postsecondary training in apiculture; or experience in beekeeping.
• Strong interest in biology, pollinators, improvement of agroecosystems, and field work.
• Interest in learning biology, technical skills, and data analysis.
• Interest in developing a professional career.
• Ability to work professionally and safely in the field.
• Organized and independent.
• Ability to work with honey bees (not allergic to bee stings).
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to keep a positive relationship with colleagues and farmers.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends (when necessary).
• A valid BC driver license (full license)
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Knowledgeable of beekeeping practices.
• Experience handling dangerous goods, including liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
• Experience supervising volunteers or summer students.

Assets

• Science communication skills, including virtual and in-person presentations.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

BC-TTP values the diversity of our team members. We promote an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and believe that such an environment is essential for achieving our business goals. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.

Funding

This position is funded until January 1st, 2028

Health and safety

This position requires working in the field with honey bees and using chemical reagents to preserve and process samples. Thus, applicants will be required to complete a WHIMS online course, Fist Aid Certification, and complete a training field session in beekeeping management (delivered by BC-TTP).

To apply

To apply please send a cover letter and resume in a single pdf or word file to info@ttp-bchpa.ca addressed to the ‘BC – Technology Transfer Program’ with the subject heading “Technician in apiculture 2024”. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

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