Review Vacancy
AgencyAgriculture & Markets, Department of
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $28.76 to $28.76 Hourly
Duties Description The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking two Apiary Inspector 2s to work in various counties statewide. Apiary Inspectors travel throughout assigned regions to monitor honeybee colony health, ensuring the vitality of managed pollinators across New York State. The regional assignments for these positions will be based on the location and counties within which the selected candidates live, as these positions are field-based, with regional assignments tailored to the candidate's location. Extensive travel within the assigned area is required. These are great opportunities for self-driven candidates who want autonomy over their schedule, the ability to work from home, and enjoy working outside the office setting!
These positions are temporary and seasonal, working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. They work within a defined season beginning around April 1st through November 30th and are dependent on operational needs.
Apiary Inspectors ensure that colony management procedures follow State laws and regulations; recommend appropriate measures for the prevention, treatment, and control of honeybee diseases, and the management of colonies; and ensure that migratory honeybee colony transports are consistent with regulations of other states.
The Apiary Inspector 2 duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Working independently without oversight and of ranging complexity:
• Identifying the visible symptoms of various brood diseases and disease symptoms in adult bees.
• Communicating the goals of the inspection program and methods of management to beekeepers to prevent or eliminate bee diseases.
• Issuing quarantine orders to prevent movement exotic pests or diseased colonies.
• Investigating beekeeper complaints as directed by the Albany office.
• Recording, preparing, and submitting various pay and travel expense forms, daily reports, and apiary inspection records.
• Utilizing GPS programs or maps in locating apiaries.
• Working independently to plan and organize work based on priority, risk, and location.
• Supervising Apiary Inspector 1s and Trainees and balancing workload as required in assigned area.
• Providing training and guidance to Inspectors where problems arise with beekeepers, bee equipment, or laws relating to bee diseases, bee sales, or transportation of bees.
• Monitoring work performance of inspectors and supply additional technical training as needed.
• Reviewing inspectors’ various reports for accuracy and completeness and assuring they conform to Division of Plant Industry guidelines.
• Communicating activities and issues of importance regularly to the State Apiculturist. including bringing issues of.
• Initiating group supply orders required by inspectors in their work assignments.
• Ensuring the use of and performing maintenance on Department issued technology, such as an iPhone, iPad, computer, and other associated software applications as related to work duties.
• Traveling extensively as needed for training, complaints, and other duties.
• Working within policies and procedures set by the Division of Plant Industry and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Enforcing New York Laws relating to bee diseases, bee sales and interstate transportation of bees.
The duties of the position require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.
Benefits:
This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, and the opportunity for NYS Pension Plan membership.
Minimum Qualifications Salary and Minimum Qualifications:
Apiary Inspector 2 ($28.76/Hour): Five years of experience* in the management of honeybee colonies; or successful completion of one season (minimum of 60 working days) as an Apiary Inspector 1.
*Substitution: Possession of 60 college credits with at least 9 college credits in entomology, ecology, biology, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resources, or zoology may substitute for 2 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of bee behavior; a familiarity with bees, colony, and apiary management practices.
• Knowledge of and working experience with beekeeping equipment.
• The ability to open colonies of bees and to remove combs for visual examination. This would include the ability to remove and replace combs, queen excluders and other bee equipment properly without killing the queen and some bees.
• Basic knowledge of both larva and adult bee diseases, their life history, and symptoms.
• Willingness to accept instruction, direction, and training by supervisors and/or experienced inspectors.
• Basic knowledge and familiarity with Department issued technology, such as an iPhone, iPad, and computer.
• Be available to relocate to other areas within New York State for limited periods of time during emergency situations.
• Be physically able to bend, reach, and lift 60-80 pounds many times during the workday.
Travel Requirements:
These positions require extensive travel. Appointees must either possess at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have access to a motor vehicle when necessary or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the regular transportation requirements in carrying out their field work responsibilities.
Additional Comments Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address harvestyourpotential@agriculture.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingCandidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must apply using Position Vacancy Online Application by: March 28, 2026. Within this online application please indicate the location you are interested in, and upload your resume, transcript (if applicable), and cover letter.
Please use this link by highlighting to copy and paste in a new browser: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8a7883d07a219b0d017a53a2e3bb0f9a&id=8a7887a19cd56543019d0280f2ca2986&source=&lang=en
The deadline to apply is March 28, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Carman in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or harvestyourpotential@agriculture.ny.gov.