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.
NOTE: Successful applicants will have the option of working from an offsite location. The locations listed for these position are an indication of the geographic area and may involve inspections within approximately a 2 hour radius of the posted location.
The BranchThe 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 DivisionThe 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
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 beekeeper records as required under the Bees Act and other related regulations
• Issue orders to beekeepers for the treatment or destruction of infected bees and beekeeping equipment, or the removal of bees from non-compliant locations
• 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
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 relevant to Ontario (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)
OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
OPS COVID-19 Safe Workplace Directive:
Effective October 1, 2021, the OPS COVID-19 Safe Workplace Directive requires all Ontario Public Service employees to provide proof they are fully vaccinated, meaning they are fully vaccinated as defined by the Ministry of Health (refer to:
COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status in Ontario), including 14 calendar days have passed since receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Employees who do not provide proof of full vaccination will be deemed ‘not vaccinated' under the Directive and will be required to attend a vaccine education program and undergo regular rapid antigen testing. Employees who are not vaccinated under the policy with a valid medical exemption will not be required to attend a vaccine education program but must undergo regular rapid antigen testing.