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Technician in Apicultural Research Full Time
Organization Legal name: British Columbia Honey Producers Association
Branch: BC Technology Transfer Program
Address:
1192 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8V 3K8
PO Box 5594, Victoria, BC V8R 6S4
Email: [email protected]
Project: Selective breeding for varroa resistance
Type of position: full time (30 h/w, from January 1st, 2025 to December 31, 2027)
Gross overall salary: CAD$72,000
Anticipated start: January 6th, 2025
Location: British Columbia, preferably Lower Mainland.
Description:
The Technology Transfer Program (BC-TTP), British Columbia Honey Producers Association, is seeking for a technician in apiculture to conduct applied research and technology transfer activities related to supporting selective breeding for varroa resistance. The aim of the research will be focused on conducting hygienic testing, varroa monitoring, and taking samples across apiaries in 3 different regions of British Columbia. The study will be conducted to assess the viability of molecular markers for selective breeding.
Responsibilities:
The technician in apiculture will be responsible of organizing and conducting field research including hygienic testing in honey bee hives, conducting mite monitoring using alcohol wash method or sticky card traps, and collecting samples such as honey bees, honey, combs for several research projects. The technician will conduct laboratory assays, such as PCR and others. Additionally, technician will be conducting honey bee disease diagnosis by bacterial culture and qPCR tests with collaboration of various academic institutes such as Kwantlen Polytech university, Simon Fraser University, and University of British Columbia. Also, the technician will be assisting in knowledge transfer activities through field workshops and presentations.
Specific duties will include:
• Travelling to apiaries at various beekeeping operations across distinct regions of BC to conduct field tests and collect samples.
• Conduct and assist laboratory assays on collected samples.
• Generate databases and perform statistical analysis and prepare graphs, figures for monthly and annual reports.
• Communicate with beekeepers and conduct knowledge transfer activities.
• Communicate with the team and work in collaboration with the BC Honey Producers Association-Technology Transfer Program staff.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures, content creation, and other documentation.
Required skills and experience
– Education and interest in relevant disciplines. Preferably with a Masters Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, or other related fields.
– Knowledgeable of beekeeping practices, commercial beekeeping experience or postsecondary training in beekeeping.
– Strong interest in biology, pollinators, improvement of agroecosystems, and field work.
– Interest in learning biology, technical skills, and data analysis.
– Interest in developing a professional career.
– Ability to work professionally and safely in the field.
– Ability to work with honey bees (not allergic to bee stings).
– Strong interpersonal skills, ability to keep a positive relationship with colleagues and farmers.
– Willingness to work long hours and weekends (when necessary).
– A valid BC driver license (full license)
– Legally eligible to work in Canada.
– Experience handing dangerous goods, like liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
Assets
– Science communication skills, including virtual and in-person presentations.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
BC-TTP values the diversity of our team members. We promote an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and believe that such an environment is essential for achieving our business goals. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.
Funding
This position is funded until December 31, 2027.
Health and safety
This position requires working in the field with honey bees and using chemical reagents to preserve and process samples. Thus, applicants will be required to complete a WHIMS online course and complete a training field session beekeeping management (delivered by BC-TTP).
To apply
To apply please send a cover letter and resume in a single pdf or word file to [email protected] addressed to the ‘BC – Technology Transfer Program’ with the subject heading “Technician in apiculture 2025”. Applications will be revised as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.