APIARY INSPECTOR - 42001266

State of Florida • Winter Haven, FL

22h • Remote

About The Position

This professional position is responsible for the protection, certification, and regulation of the apiary industry within the state of Florida through inspections for destructive and regulated honeybee pests and diseases. The position involves scheduling appointments with beekeepers, performing inspections, conducting field diagnostic tests, collecting samples, and initiating regulatory action. It also includes calculating and collecting registration fees, maintaining accurate records, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating bee kill incidents. The role requires placing and monitoring bait hives for early detection of pests and diseases, collaborating with partners on research and detection projects, and submitting timely reports. Additionally, the position may assist with special programs like Fruit Fly Detection and Yellow Legged Hornet Detection, which may require travel and unusual working hours. The role also involves maintaining state equipment and staying informed about beekeeping matters and relevant laws, acting as an ambassador for the state through public outreach.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering; or An associate degree (2 years) from an accredited college or university.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Knowledge of techniques used in the inspecting and management of honeybee colonies.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatment of honeybee colonies.
• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of pesticide labeling restrictions.
• Ability to work in close proximity to stinging insects and follow procedures to prevent being stung, such as wearing protective equipment.
• Ability to detect honeybee diseases and pests and to take appropriate regulatory action.
• Ability to lift and transport 70-pound objects and to work in extreme hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate computers and mobile devices and be proficient with email, spreadsheets, word processing software, and data entry.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision for prolonged periods.
• Ability to adapt to changes and remain calm under stressful situations.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Ability to drive frequently and for long distances to reach inspections.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule necessary appointments with beekeepers and perform inspections of honeybee colonies for destructive and regulated pests and diseases.
• Conduct field diagnostic tests on bee hives and use approved sampling methods and equipment to collect samples for submission to the appropriate technical bureau for laboratory diagnostics.
• Initiate and implement appropriate regulatory action upon diagnosis, including quarantine and supervising the destruction or approved treatment of infected honeybee colonies to curtail the spread of injurious honey bee pests and diseases.
• Calculate, collect and remit registration fees.
• Ensure that all beekeepers in assigned district are registered with the Department, inspected, and in compliance with Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, and appropriate rules.
• Maintain accurate records in appropriate database for assigned beekeepers.
• Perform special inspections upon request.
• Collect samples for certification purposes and issue certifications and permits, when appropriate.
• Collect or invoice special inspection fees.
• Respond to and resolve consumer complaints regarding honeybees or refer them to the proper agency.
• Coordinate and investigate bee kill complaints.
• Assist other divisions with honeybee-related issues, when necessary.
• Place, monitor, and maintain bait hives at high-risk locations around Florida for the early detection of injurious honeybee pests or diseases.
• Cooperate and collaborate with federal, state, academic and industry partners in the detection of feral or introduced honeybees, pests, diseases, as well as research projects to benefit the industry.
• Timely and accurate submission of reports, including inspection reports, time sheets, vehicle logs, and travel vouchers.
• Maintain all state equipment, including state vehicles, in safe operating condition and according to established guidelines.
• Stay informed of all beekeeping matters, including changes in state and federal laws.
• Be an ambassador for the state of Florida through public outreach about honeybees.
• Attendance and presentations may be required at meetings or workshops of the apiary industry, bureau, or other governmental training sessions.
• Assist on special programs, including but not limited to Fruit Fly Detection, Yellow Legged Hornet Detection and other plant pest eradication projects.
• Placing and servicing fruit fly detection devices in accordance with the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual, and placing and servicing Yellow Legged Hornet Traps.
• Perform related work as directed by management.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED