Role Responsibilities

The Provincial Apiculturist (PA) plays a critical leadership role in Alberta’s Crop Assurance Branch by administering and enforcing the Bee Act and its regulations. This position ensures the health and sustainability of Alberta’s honey bee population through expert guidance, regulatory oversight, emergency response, and collaboration with national and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Bee Health & Assurance

• Monitor endemic and emerging honey bee pests and diseases across Alberta.
• Stay current with scientific advancements and technological developments.
• Collaborate with national and international scientists, Provincial Apiculturists, and Technology Transfer Teams (TTTs) on research and projects (e.g., varroacide resistance, European Foulbrood).
• Participate in local, national, and international meetings and committees related to bee health.
• Liaise with agencies such as CFIA, PMRA, and other provincial and federal bodies.
• Provide expert guidance to municipalities on honey bee-related issues, including bylaw development and issue resolution.
• Advise veterinarians on the diagnosis and treatment of honey bee pests and diseases.
• Work with AGI leadership to ensure the Bee Act and its regulations remain relevant and effective.
• Inform and collaborate with the Chief Provincial Plant Officer and other assurance teams on emerging issues

Regulatory Oversight & Policy Development

• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on honey bee pest and disease issues.
• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of Alberta’s honey bee pest and disease management, inspection, and surveillance programs.
• Ensure compliance with the Bee Act and its regulations to mitigate risks to beekeepers.
• Support legislative and policy development to ensure regulations remain current and effective.

Emergency Response Leadership

• Lead incident response efforts when honey bee pests or diseases are detected.
• Establish and command incident command structures.
• Provide regular updates to senior management during emergencies.
• Conduct post-incident debriefings and implement improvements.
• Ensure departmental staff are trained and prepared for emergency response.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

• Systems Thinking: Able to understand how policies will impact the industry and perception of the Government of Alberta
• Creative Problem Solving: Able to bring creative ideas to aide in solving complex problems.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively.
• Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting, and building trusting relationships with different stakeholders.
• Drive for Results: Desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of self and others.
• Agility: Must be able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing environment

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Qualifications

Required: 

• University graduation in science plus 5 years of experience in apiculture and/or pest management. 

Equivalency:

• Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Assets:

• Masters of in Science in Apiculture or related field
• Expertise in apiculture, entomology, or a related agricultural science.
• Knowledge of bee keeping industry across Canada and various provincial regulations and policies
• Knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of endemic and foreign honey bee pests and diseases
• Strong communication skills and familiarity with policy development

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

• J. G. O’Donoghue Building, Edmonton, Alberta 
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time)
• Monday to Friday (8:15 am to 4:30 pm)

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.