Bee Inspector (Irregular On-Call)

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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

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About the job

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

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What you bring to the team

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)

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Additional information:

Note:

• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.