Bee Inspector (Irregular On-Call)

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to apply your apiary skills and work independently in an outdoor environment? If so, consider this opportunity to become a part of the Animal Health and Welfare Branch, where we are committed to promoting a healthy apiary sector.

The Branch
The Animal Health and Welfare Branch (AHWB) advances farm animal health and welfare and veterinary public health through education, inspection, surveillance, programs, research and emergency preparedness. While the health and welfare of animals is a shared responsibility with others including industry and the federal government, the AHWB plays a leadership role for Ontario in efforts to effectively manage the prevention, detection and response to animal health incidents of public concern. Veterinary scientists and staff develop standards, deliver technical support to inspectors and veterinarians, and deliver preventive programs. They also provide inspection services in licenced livestock auction markets, dead stock facilities, animal research facilities and livestock medicine outlets.

The Division
The Food Safety and Environment Division is responsible for the ministry's main regulatory functions relating to food inspection and nutrient management and is the lead for non-regulatory programs, in food safety, nutrient management and environment, and for policy development for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), traceability and environment

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• Inspect managed honey bees for pests and/or disease and compliance with appropriate regulations and monitoring initiatives
• Inspect beekeeping equipment for infection and compliance with appropriate regulations
• Conduct sampling/testing to confirm the presence of pests and/or disease
• Review beekeepers records as required under the Bees Act and other related regulations
• Issue orders to beekeeper for the treatment or destruction of infected bees and beekeeping equipment
• Issue permits for the sale and/or movement of bees
• Provide technical guidance, advice and direction to beekeepers on best practices

Please note the following:
• This is an irregular on-call position working 0 - 40 hours per week
• This position requires travel to rural and remote locations not accessible by public transit

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge

You have:
• Knowledge of apiculture practices to identify and evaluate the condition and health of honey bee colonies (e.g. identification of pests, disease and/or infected equipment)
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. Bees Act, Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act)
• Ability to safely and appropriately handle bee frames, hives and related equipment

Communication and Organizational Skills

You have:
• Communication skills to explain legislative requirements to honey bee colony owners, negotiate with industry stakeholders, maintain accurate records and prepare various reports
• Interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy to effectively apply regulatory tools (including serving orders) in stressful and/or confrontational situations
• Organizational skills to independently schedule tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely and efficient manner

Computer Skills

You have:
• Experience operating global positioning system (GPS) equipment
• Proficiency of common office software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet)

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 8, 2020 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.