Apiculture Technician III

Job Title: Apiculture Technician III

Agency: Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service Department Entomology

Job Type: Staff

Location: Overton, Texas

• Apiary Management and Honey Bee Breeding:
  Manage and maintain research honey bee colonies. Perform routine colony inspections, seasonal management, queen rearing, instrumental insemination support, and colony health assessments. Assist with selection, testing, and breeding of honey bees for mite resistance, hygienic behavior, and other desirable genetic traits. Collect field data and maintain accurate colony records.
• Laboratory Research and Sample Processing:
  Assist with laboratory research by processing bee samples, performing insect dissections, behavioral and bioassays, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and other molecular biology techniques, and preparing samples for diagnostic and research analyses. Evaluate, verify, and document laboratory results while maintaining quality control procedures.
• Research Equipment Operation and Maintenance:
  Operate, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and modify laboratory and field equipment used for honey bee research, diagnostics, and automated testing systems. Ensure equipment is functioning properly and maintain service and calibration records.
• Laboratory Operations and Safety:
  Maintain laboratory inventory of chemicals, consumables, and research supplies. Prepare reagents and solutions. Follow laboratory safety protocols and properly handle and dispose of chemical and biological waste in accordance with university and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation and Other Duties:
  Maintain research records, databases, and supporting documentation. Assist with data entry, sample tracking, and preparation of reports. Participate in field research activities and perform other duties as assigned in support of research, Extension, and laboratory operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Advanced knowledge and expertise in honey bee and beekeeping.

• Queen production, breeding, and Instrumental Insemination.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance. 12-15 days of annual paid holidays. Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month. Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Employee Wellness Initiative.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.