Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To undertake inspection, investigation and collection activities in accordance with related legislation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The incumbent performs a range of inspection, investigation and collection activities as required in a geographic area related to bee inspection, wildlife damage and wild bird collection.

Bee Inspection:

To inspect bees and/or beekeeping equipment to determine whether any pest is present or disease exists in the bees, whether the beekeeping equipment is infected, or in compliance with the provisions of the Bees Act and the regulations.

Take samples, conduct tests or take measurements as is considered necessary and according to specified protocols developed by the Program Manager or by the Provincial Apiarist, in order to determine whether any pest is present or disease exists in the bees or whether the beekeeping equipment is infected.

To inspect any books or records required by the Bees Act or the regulations to be kept by beekeepers and persons who sell bees. Issue orders to a beekeeper for treatment or destruction of infected bees or beekeeping equipment if there are reasonable grounds to believe that any pest or disease is present, in compliance with the Bees Act.

Issue permits required for the sale or movement of bees in compliance with the Bees Act. Complete inspection reports and provide information on bee yard locations. Carry out instructions under an Order if required. Perform or participate in other compliance actions as may from time to time be required under the Bees Act. To collect samples of various foods of plant origin as may from time to time be required. To provide and direct beekeepers to sources of beekeeping best practice information.

Wildlife Damage:

To investigate honey bee colonies believed by owners to be damaged or destroyed by bears. To investigate claims for injured and killed livestock or poultry, believed by owners to have been caused by all named predators. Complete a written report to the director within 10 days of the investigation together with recommendations respecting compensation.

Wild Bird Collection: As agreed and arranged with the Program Manager:

Making arrangements to collect dead bird{s) in a timely manner. Package the dead bird(s) following approved national and provincial procedures and protocols. Arrange to have the packaged bird(s) sent to the laboratory by courier. Provide detailed location of where the dead bird(s) were found by means of GPS coordinates along with related paperwork.

Conducts field sampling and related reporting activities during emergency response, as required by ministry emergency management leadership. Participates in regular emergency preparedness exercises and training.

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge and understanding of agriculture including apiculture and related practices in order to recognize, evaluate and report on pests, condition of and/or damage to honey bee colonies and other named livestock.

Job requires knowledge of the Bees Act, Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act including future amendments thereto and related legislation/regulations as well as government, ministry, branch and program policies.

Knowledge of standard ministry computer hardware and software to complete inspection forms and reports.

Knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation and conflict of interest directives.

Skills :

Job requires oral communication skills, tact, diplomacy and interpersonal skills to communicate requirements of legislation to livestock and honey bee colony owners and other stakeholders, and written communication skills to make written reports to the Provincial Apiarist and the Program Manager.

Ability to take appropriate follow-up actions on orders issued under the Bees Act (e.g. order to destroy) as described under the Bees Act or government or program policy.

Ability to work with honey bees in such a manner as to appropriately dismantle and reassemble hives and equipment for the purposes of inspection.

Ability to safely conduct honey bee colony inspections and wildlife damage evaluations Ability to perform simple calculations and keep orderly and accurate records.

Ability to operate equipment such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit.

Ability to schedule work to be completed in a timely and efficient manner Ability to work independently and co-operatively in groups.

Ability to travel to rural and remote locations not accessible by public transit.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires independent work and time scheduling with no on-site supervision operating within the practices, policies, standards and objectives of the relevant legislation, the ministry, branch and the Foods of Plant Origin Program. Position requires submission of completed inspection reports and other required forms by specified deadlines.