Varroa Extension Officers - Qld State Government

Osborne Richardson are proud to be the key Recruitment Partner used by the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries across their metro and regional operations. The reason we are in this position? We do nothing else than partner with candidates and make good on our promise to do everything we can to get you the role you are seeking. Our ability to cut through role jargon and see your skills and experience which is relevant for each role is paramount in why we are so highly regarded across the board. 

On this occasion, we have several Varroa Extension Officer positions available across the State. The bulk of these roles will be Southeast QLD based however, we are also delighted to have opportunities in Central and Northern QLD in this program.  In these roles, you will have the option of full and part-time hours, with initial contracts spanning 12 months with an almost certain 12 month extension to follow. Sensational pay rate of $63.42/hr + super + flexible work arrangements.

Working within Biosecurity Queensland, you will be part of the Varroa Mite Extension and Engagement Program, building industry capability to manage or prepare to deal with Varroa mite issues. Varroa Extension Officers will be responsible for engaging with commercial and recreational beekeepers to improve hive health monitoring and Varroa mite management through assisting in delivering workshops and other extension activities as required (e.g. webinars). Role requirements and expectations are Monday to Friday with the ability to travel and perform tasks outside of regular working hours.  Weekend work and travel within the state or to other states may be necessary.

As part of this opportunity, the successful candidate will be required to perform the following: 

• Deliver engagement across all areas of Varroa mite management to commercial and recreational beekeepers to extend best management practice guidelines.
• Use high-level written communication skills, including assisting the Varroa Mite Extension and Engagement Coordinator in preparing extension materials and providing timely reports to the National T2M Varroa Mite Coordinator on achieving project milestones.
• Improve industry monitoring capacity for bee pests, including conducting training workshops and identifying opportunities for the collection, recording and submission of monitoring Varroa mite data by the honey bee industry.
• Contribute to the establishment of the national annual COLOSS survey and actively recruit beekeepers to participate in the annual survey as part of the national program.
• Engage and work alongside Queensland’s Bee Biosecurity Officer (National Bee Biosecurity Program) and Varroa Mite Prevention and Preparedness Program team, fostering and leading innovation and continuous improvement.
• Provide accurate and appropriate information, advice and recommendations to beekeepers and engage with industry stakeholders to promote beekeepers General Biosecurity Obligations.
• To successfully fulfil this role, you will need to have the following: 
• The ability to travel and perform tasks outside of regular working hours. Weekend work and travel within the state or to other states may be necessary.
• The physical capability to engage in outdoor work, including walking on uneven terrain and slopes in various weather conditions.

What are we looking for? 

1. Relevant Degree qualification in agricultural science or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution
2. Knowledge of or the ability to gain knowledge of Integrated Pest Management in the context of Varroa management.
3. Comprehensive understanding of the Queensland beekeeping and burgeoning pollination industries and their biosecurity threats.
4. Ability to deliver training and awareness programs for the honeybee industry.
5. Experience in managing best-practice bee biosecurity in commercial/semi-commercial apiaries, including disease surveillance.
6. A current ‘C’ class drivers licence

As with every role, we love to chat through these opportunities with anyone who feel they will add value to the existing team. Feel free to contact Owen Millar on 0414 706 *** or email ****@osbornerichardson.com.au.