Apiary Inspector - Western

Overview

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally.

Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking one Apiary Inspector 1 to work in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming County. Apiary Inspectors travel throughout assigned regions to monitor honeybee colony health, ensuring the vitality of managed pollinators across New York State. These positions are temporary and seasonal, working 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday. They work within a defined season beginning around April 1st through November 30th and are dependent on operational needs.

• Identifying the visible symptoms of various brood diseases and disease symptoms in adult bees.
• Sending samples to the Beltsville Bee Lab for confirmation of pest and disease issues.
• Communicating the goals of the inspection program and methods of management to beekeepers to prevent or eliminate bee diseases.
• Issuing quarantine orders to prevent movement of exotic pests or diseased colonies.
• Investigating beekeeper complaints as directed by the Albany office.
• Traveling extensively as needed for training, complaints, and other duties.
• Recording, preparing, and submitting various pay and travel expense forms, daily reports, and apiary inspection records.
• Utilizing GPS programs or maps in locating apiaries.
• Using technology equipment provided including cellphone, tablet (iPad), laptop, and printer.
• Working independently to plan and organize work based on priority, risk, and location.
• Working within policies and procedures set by the Division of Plant Industry and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Enforcing New York Laws relating to bee diseases, bee sales and interstate transportation of bees.

The duties of these positions require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.

These positions require extensive travel. Appointees must at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter possess a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have access to a motor vehicle when necessary, or demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation requirements while carrying out their field work responsibilities.

Apiary Inspector Trainee 1 ($23.00/Hour):
Two years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies or 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology.

Substitution:
Possession of 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Apiary Inspector Trainee 2 ($24.36/Hour):
Three years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season (minimum of 60 working days) as an Apiary Inspector Trainee 1.

Substitution:
Possession of 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Apiary Inspector 1 ($25.74/Hour):
Four years of experience in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season as an Apiary Inspector Trainee 1 and one season as an Apiary Inspector Trainee
2. Must have worked a minimum of 60 working days/season.

Substitution:
Possession of 60 college credits with at…