Apiary Inspector

WV Department of Agriculture•Charleston, WV

41d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apiary Inspector performs a wide range of activities for the Apiary Program and assists the State Apiarist in the formulation and execution of the division's plans as they pertain to apiary inspection and the promotion of beekeeping, as provided for in the West Virginia Apiary Law. This role assists in special event involvements within the division and among specialty producers for the department. The inspector participates regionally and nationally for Apiary Program advancements or arising apiary industry issues. The position implements division/department policies and ensures compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations for the protection of West Virginia’s apiary industries. Works collaboratively with federal, state, and local agency personnel as well as industry stakeholders. At all times, incumbents must demonstrate, model and reinforce the department’s fundamental values of fairness, cooperation, respect, commitment, excellence, honesty and teamwork in all interactions with coworkers and the public. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in agriculture, animal science, biological science, or related field.
Three years minimum full-time or equivalent part-time paid employment in a state, federal, or university apiary program.
An associate degree in an apiary-related field plus five years’ apiary industry experience or a high school diploma or equivalent and seven years’ experience working in apiary operations.
Valid Driver’s License.
Must not be allergic to hymenopterous stings
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, State of West Virginia and USDA relevant to apiculture.
Knowledge of honeybee pests, diseases and recommended control measures.
Knowledge of inspection procedures and techniques.
Ability to conduct inspections.
Ability to train others for performing apiary program duties.
Knowledge of generally accepted biosecurity practices.
Knowledge of the principles of agriculture and natural resource management.
Ability to conduct inspections, identify honeybee pests/diseases, and to recommend treatment and control measures.
Ability to keep detailed records using computers, smartphones, and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
Ability to make critical observations, obtain accurate data and prepare reports.
Ability to exercise sound judgement.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with beekeepers and the general public.

Responsibilities

Perform apiary inspections and assist training Seasonal Apiary Inspection staff.
Examine honey bee hives and colonies for pre-movement certifications.
Prepare apiary outreach materials on and conduct training for beekeepers and requesting associations.
Assist and promote apiary industries in the marketing and development of apiary-related, agri-business endeavors.
Assist the development and implementation of promotional plans and special event materials for apiary-related products and producers.
Follow Apiary Program protocols and ensure compliance with current State rules and any arising Federal apiary regulations resulting from invasive honey bee pathogens or pests.
Performs outreach with the beekeeping community to educate, build relationships, and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
Receive complaints calls from the public related to bees or wasps (e.g. swarms/aggressive hives/abandoned apiaries/etc.).
Participate in federal honeybee survey conducted nationally for disease detection and pesticide adulteration.
Provide technical direction to beekeepers on the practice of beekeeping and to promote the beekeeping industry at civic group functions and other organized activities.
Educate the public on department rules and regulations regarding honey bee colony diseases and apiary colony movements.
Provide weekly work plans and activity reports to supervisor; keep supervisor regularly informed of program activities.
Serves key role in Apiary Program assisting the State Apiarist in duties related to reporting, grant management, and oversight of the Animal Health Apiary Programs.
May serve on occasion as Acting State Apiarist.
Other duties as assigned.