Re-Advert Beekeeping Research Assistant Honey Bee Research (Three (3) Years Fixed Term Contract)

The Agricultural Research Council; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An agricultural research organization in Stellenbosch is seeking a Beekeeper to manage apiary sites, assist with research on pests and diseases, and prepare necessary equipment for field studies. The ideal candidate has a diploma or equivalent experience, extensive fieldwork with bees, and a willingness to travel. This role offers a competitive remuneration package and is part of a contract employment type. Applicants must be prepared for fieldwork in potentially remote locations.

Qualifications

• Diploma with 3 years experience as a beekeeper or Grade 12 with 5 years experience required.
• Extensive proven experience working with bees in the field is essential.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork in remote areas and travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage beekeeping apiary sites effectively.
• Assist with field and lab research on honeybee pests and diseases.
• Prepare and maintain equipment for field studies.

Skills

Laboratory Experience

Statistical Software

Data Collection

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology

Education

Diploma in a relevant field

Tools

SPSS

Stata

Job description

Description

• The incumbent will be responsible for the management of the beekeeping apiary sites.
• To assist with both field and laboratory based research on the monitoring and evaluation of pests and diseases of honeybees and other research projects including detailed data capture from bee hive surveys.
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of equipment required for field studies.
• Participate in technology transfer initiatives.
• To provide verbal/written reports to the supervisor on work activities and results.
• The incumbent will be trained and mentored in the project administrative tasks required.

Requirements

• Diploma with 3 years experience as a beekeeper or Grade 12 with 5 years experience as a beekeeper.
• Full and extensive proven experience of working with bees in the field is essential including the physical capacity for beekeeping under arduous conditions.
• Willingness to do field-work and to travel on fieldwork trips is a requirement. This post may require the incumbent to do field work in remote areas. Field trips may require occasional absence from home for 3 to 8 days at a time.
• Computer literacy will be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills will be an advantage.
• Code B/EB driver’s license required.

Enquiries: Mr Mike Allsopp:/1

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:17 NOVEMBER 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. Applications accompanied by covering letter detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates supporting documents copy of drivers license) must be attached on the form.

NB: Non‑RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees.

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

Key Skills

• Laboratory Experience
• Spss
• Data Collection
• DNA Isolation
• Stata
• Biochemistry
• Qualitative Research Interviewing
• Research Experience
• Statistical Software
• Molecular Biology
• Research Laboratory Experience
• Western Blot

Employment Type : Contract

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1