Bee Lab Technician

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

Provide support on the research, education, and outreach mission of Vermont Bee Lab. During the field season (approx. May‑Sep) assist in the management of research apiaries, including hive inspections, animal husbandry, equipment preparation and maintenance, pest/pathogen testing and treatment. Support ongoing research efforts at these apiary locations through data collection, collecting samples for pesticide and pathogen analysis. Assist in drafting and maintaining a field calendar and scheduling field crew.

During the remainder of the year perform laboratory functions, including processing microscopy samples, maintaining field and laboratory data, maintaining equipment and lab inventory, and purchasing research supplies. Serve as a teaching assistant for summer beekeeping courses. Represent the Vermont Bee Lab at public and stakeholder events to include honey tastings, tabling, and presentations. Manage the VBL email and field incoming questions.

• Assist in management of research apiaries, including hive inspections, animal husbandry, equipment preparation, and maintenance.
• Perform pest/pathogen testing and treatment.
• Support ongoing research efforts by collecting samples for pesticide and pathogen analysis.
• Assist in drafting and maintaining a field calendar and scheduling field crew.
• Perform laboratory functions during the remainder of the year, including processing microscopy samples, maintaining field and laboratory data, maintaining equipment and lab inventory, and purchasing research supplies.
• Serve as a teaching assistant for summer beekeeping courses.
• Represent the Vermont Bee Lab at public and stakeholder events, including honey tastings, tabling, and presentations.
• Manage the VBL email and field incoming questions.

Associate’s degree and one year or more of relevant experience in beekeeping, including working with commercial beekeepers, knowledge and experience microscopy, ability to manage field calendars and work as a team with other technicians, experience navigating scientific literature and report writing, and ability to convey science to the broader audience and farmer community.

Experience in conducting assays for bee pests and pathogens, working knowledge of data analysis.

Anticipated Pay Range: $21.58 to $25.00 per hour.

May be required to work occasional weekends because field work is dependent on weather.

A probationary period may be required. Contingent on continued funding. Occasional evening and/or weekends required (may result in overtime). Background check required for this position.

Non‑Exempt.

Yes, UVMSU.