Apiary Manager

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: August 16, 2026. Available Title(s) 1162-NN_ADMINPRO - Manager, 1162-YN_ADMINPRO - Manager Business Title Apiary Manager Employee Type Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Position Details The Opportunity: As the Apiary Manager , you will work under the guidance of program leadership to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Othello Research Apiary. In this role, you will collaborate closely with research faculty and oversee the daily and seasonal activities required to maintain between 150 and 400 honey bee colonies. You will be responsible for maintaining hives that support research experiments, honey production, and pollination services while contributing to the overall mission of the program. You will maintain a large number of honey bee colonies and manage all beekeeping operations at the Othello Honey Bee and Pollinator Research Facility in Othello, Washington. Your responsibilities will include directing and coordinating daily apiary operations, managing bee colonies, assembling woodenware, operating forklifts, harvesting and extracting honey, and performing other duties necessary to support program operations. This position requires travel to apiary sites throughout Washington, with occasional extended stays in California. Work schedules will vary based on seasonal demands and may include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Much of your work will take place outdoors in potentially challenging conditions, including hot temperatures, wind exposure, insect bites and stings, and uneven terrain. In this position, you will balance the colony management needs required to support research objectives while maintaining a functional pollination program of approximately 400 honey bee colonies. You will directly supervise facility staff and oversee employees and visitors participating in apiary operations. You will provide leadership and guidance for beekeeping activities, manage operational services, assist with budget planning and resource allocation, and work alongside employees in the field to perform beekeeping duties. Strong communication and interpersonal skills will be essential as you interact with stakeholders, landowners, students, faculty, and program partners. Additional Information This is a full time ( 100% FTE), temporary position. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement. This is a temporary position expected to end one year after date of hire. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend. Monthly Salary: Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $6,763 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation. Required Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a field related to the functional managerial area which has included at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Experience managing large number of bee hives (at least 150 hives). Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to effectively interact with people in a positive manner. Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. WA State pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. Basic computer skills required, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), internet searching, email communications, and Zoom virtual meetings. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs short distances without assistive tools. Fine motor manipulation for safe handling of honey bees, including delicate pinching and using forceps. Ability to maintain equipment without instruction. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating forklifts or other industrial equipment. Experience operating a larger vehicle with cargo and/or trailer. Ability to operate vehicles using automatic and manual transmission, four-wheel drive. Demonstrated experience in a team leadership position. Additional beekeeping specialty experience including, but not limited to: honey bee research, queen rearing, pollen trapping, monitoring, pest management. Position Sponsorship Eligibility Not eligible for work visa sponsorship About Department/College/Area/ Campus Area/College College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Department Name Entomology Location Othello, WA Time Type Full time Position Term 12 Month Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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