Job Posting / Paid Internship

Position title: Honey bee health Intern
Project: Varroa control
Organization: The BC Honey Producers Association
Location: Lower Mainland (British Columbia), with preference given to candidates located in Abbotsford

• Type of position: full time (35 h/w)
• Gross hourly rate: CAD $22 h (no accommodations provided)
• Anticipated start: May 1 – Nov 30, 2025
• Hours of work: flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit the project needs and weather conditions. Working on weekends may be required.

Description:

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 ofstressors, 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 samplesand 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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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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.