About this role
Job Title Apiculture Technician III
Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Department Entomology
Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate
Job Location Overton, Texas
Job Type Staff
Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service • Texas A&M AgriLife Research • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University • Texas A&M Forest Service • Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Responsibilities: -Apiary Management and Honey Bee Breeding Manage and maintain research honey bee colonies. Perform routine colony inspections, seasonal management, queen rearing, instrumental insemination support, and colony health assessments. Assist with selection, testing, and breeding of honey bees for mite resistance, hygienic behavior, and other desirable genetic traits. Collect field data and maintain accurate colony records. -Laboratory Research and Sample Processing Assist with laboratory research by processing bee samples, performing insect dissections, behavioral and bioassays, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and other molecular biology techniques, and preparing samples for diagnostic and research analyses. Evaluate, verify, and document laboratory results while maintaining quality control procedures. -Research Equipment Operation and Maintenance Operate, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and modify laboratory and field equipment used for honey bee research, diagnostics, and automated testing systems. Ensure equipment is functioning properly and maintain service and calibration records. -Laboratory Operations and Safety Maintain laboratory inventory of chemicals, consumables, and research supplies. Prepare reagents and solutions. Follow laboratory safety protocols and properly handle and dispose of chemical and biological waste in accordance with university and regulatory requirements. -Documentation and Other Duties Maintain research records, databases, and supporting documentation. Assist with data entry, sample tracking, and preparation of reports. Participate in field research activities and perform other duties as assigned in support of research, Extension, and laboratory operations.
Required Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications: -Advanced knowledge and expertise in honey bee and beekeeping.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: -Queen production, breeding, and Instrumental Insemination. -Attention to detail. -Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Please attach to your completed application: -Resume/CV -List of references with email and daytime phone numbers
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:
• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays • Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month • Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas • Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.