The BC Honey Producers’ Association in Abbotsford, BC is seeking a Honey Bee Health Intern!
ABOUT BC Honey Producers’ Association
The BC-Technology Transfer Program (BC-TTP) is a branch of the non-profit BC Honey Producers’ Association. The BC-TTP creates and delivers educational materials for beekeepers in BC. BC-TTP organizes workshops on Basic Beekeeping, Integrated Pest Management, and Queen rearing throughout the province. Also, we conduct applied research focused on improving honey bee health. The aim is to provide support to BC beekeepers to increase health and productivity, including pollination services to support agrosystems and local food production. Additionally, we advocate for the health and inclusion of native pollinators to support the sustainable growth of crops of economic importance and wild plants.
The BC Tech Transfer Program is a Non Profit Organization on a Mission to Promote Honey Bee Health & Productivity, and to Advance the Sustainability of the Beekeeping Industry in British Columbia through Research, Education and Knowledge Transfer.
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. Therefore, we encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Health and safety
This position requires working in the field with honey bees and using chemical reagents to preserve and process samples. Thus, interns will be required to complete a WHIMS online course and complete a training field session on basic beekeeping management (delivered by BC-TTP). The intern should bring a first aid kit at all times and follow the instructions of the supervisor. BC-TTP will provide veil and coverall as part of the PPE.
The Technology Transfer Program (BC-TTP), British Columbia Honey Producers Association, is seeking for one summer intern to assist with research and technology transfer projects related to enhancing honey bee health. Honey bees play an important role in agricultural ecosystems, by pollinating crops and wild plants. Additionally, honey bees are susceptible to a number of stressors, which makes them suitable as bioindicators. The aim of the research will be focused on monitoring a damaging parasite of the honey bee, the mite Varroa destructor. The study will focus on monitoring mite levels, taking mite samples, and working with beekeepers and bee breeders on integrated pest management strategies. The study will be used to assist beekeepers on breeding selection tools, and it will lay the foundation for future research on methods to control the parasite with minimal impact to the environment (e.g. using novel acaricides).
Responsibilities
The intern will be responsible of assisting in field research, including opening honey bee colonies and collecting samples and assisting in the lab to analyse samples. Also, the intern will assist in workshops and knowledge transfer to beekeepers and farmers, focusing on best management practices to reduce the impact of agricultural stressors on honey bees and native pollinators.
Required skills and experience
- (Some) post-secondary education and interest in relevant discipline (environmental sciences or biology).
- 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 beekeepers.
- Willingness to work long hours and weekends (when necessary).
- A valid BC driver license (full license)
- Legally eligible to work in Canada
- Able to lift 30lbs
Assets
- Familiarity with beekeeping practices.
- Science communication skills, including virtual and in-person presentations and social media.
POSITION TASKS
Specific duties will include:
- Travelling to apiaries to do field work.
- Travelling to apiaries to collect samples of mites and honey bees.
- Assisting in the lab for sample analysis
- Recording activities.
- Creating datasets.
- Taking photographic records.
- Assisting in workshops focused on integrated pest management.
- Assisting in workshops focused on the importance of native pollinators in agroecosystems.
POSITION DETAILS
Start date: May 19, 2025. Duration 28 weeks, end date: November 30, 2025
Hours per week: 35 hours per week
Wage: $22 per hour
TO APPLY
To apply please send a cover letter and resume in a single pdf or word file to info@ttp-bchpa.ca addressed to the ‘BC – Technology Transfer Program’ with the subject heading “Summer internship 2025”. Applications will be revised as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Applications submitted after May 15th 11:59 PM PDT will not be considered.
Deadline to apply: May 15, 2025
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
Please note that Young Agrarians does not have the capacity to pre-screen job opportunities. Please screen your potential employer to ensure that you are entering into a fair exchange that meets your needs and expectations. Try asking the farm for references of past workers, or ask people in the community if you are unsure.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BC Honey Producers’ Association
Website: https://www.ttp-bchpa.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcttp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bc_ttp