We’re Hiring!
Honey bee Biology Intern
The Technology Transfer Program (BC-TTP), British Columbia Honey Producers Association, 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.
We are seeking a 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).
Placement Position Title: Honey bee Biology Intern
Organization Legal name: British Columbia Honey Producers Association
Branch: BC Technology Transfer Program
Address: PO Box 5594, Victoria, BC V8R 6S4
Email: info@ttp-bchpa.ca
Project: Varroa Control
Type of position: full time (35 h/w, from May 15th , 2025 to November 30th , 2025)
Salary: CAD $22/ hour
Anticipated start: May 15th , 2025
Location: This is a remote, work-from-home position with field work and trips to various regions in BC and lab work completed in Vancouver. We are searching for candidates from the Lower Mainland to fill this position.
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.
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
- Ability 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 and believe that such an environment is essential for achieving our business goals. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.
Funding
This position is funded until November 30th, 2025
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 “Honey bee Biology Intern 2025”. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.