Apiculture Inspectors

AsureQuality; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

AsureQuality is seeking a reliable Casual Apiculture Inspector to support exotic honey bee pest and disease surveillance across New Zealand. The role involves seasonal apiary inspections, sampling, and data entry, helping MPI's National Apiculture Surveillance Programme.

You will travel to apiaries, complete training, maintain AP2 DECA compliance, and work independently while coordinating with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Two years beekeeping experience and hive husbandry knowledge.
• Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to travel and flexible to field work.
• Able to work independently with stakeholders.
• DECA conformity and AP2 warrant awareness.
• Current AP2 warrant for exotic bee pest surveillance.

Responsibilities

• Attend annual refresher training and other required training programmes.
• Undertake inspections of selected apiaries to identify exotic bee pests and diseases.
• Collect samples and submit them to MPI's Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) following procedures.
• Enter inspection and sampling data electronically and maintain accurate records.
• Meet KPIs and SOW targets and assist with related projects as required.

Skills

Beekeeping experience

Attention to detail

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Willingness to travel

Physical fitness

Compliance awareness

Job description

Everyday our experienced team of 1,700+ people work alongside farmers, producers, and others throughout the food supply chain to help them uphold what Aotearoa stands for in food - a higher standard of quality and safety.

We are passionate about our shared role as Kaitiaki Kai, guardians of food, and have a deep responsibility to do the right thing for food and the environments it comes from.

We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining great people, and supporting them to be the best they can be. We know diverse teams are stronger teams and we believe in fairness and opportunity for all.

Job Description

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

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