The Toronto Beekeepers’ Collective is an incorporated, hands-on, non-profit, volunteer-run
beekeeping group with two main activities:
- looking after our honeybees
- teaching ourselves and others about honeybees and other pollinators while helping to
create the environment they and we need to survive.
We have about 50 active member beekeepers whose levels of experience range from none to extensive, and whose ages run from early 20s to 80s. We are responsible for the maintenance and wellbeing of four beeyards in Toronto, at the Ontario Science Centre, Blackcreek Community Farm, Downsview Park, and the Fairmont Royal York (their flagship rooftop hive). In addition, we help to support two community beeyards, both very small.
TBC is looking for a staff beekeeper to assist the head beekeeper in working with members of the TBC in a beekeeping, teaching, and support role. This means working with our head beekeeper and members to tend to our hives, with regular hive checks and interventions as necessary. We are mostly organic in our beekeeping approach within a context of what comprises good bee care in an urban environment. Through the beekeeping season, we arrange approximately biweekly hive checks that include between 2 and 12 of our beekeeper-members, permitting them to have a safe and supervised hands-on experience with the bees. We also host workshops on mead-making, honey vinegar, soaps, lotions, balms, and other products of the hive, and there are in addition monthly
members’ meetings usually attended by the head beekeeper.
Detailed job description:
- Under the supervision of the head beekeeper, help to manage beehives at various sites
throughout the city of Toronto (Downsview Park, Black Creek Community Farm, the
Ontario Science Center, and the Royal York Hotel as well as other potential sites) - Support the head beekeeper in beekeeping tasks as requested
- Guide new and seasoned beekeepers through hive checks, working collaboratively with
staff and members at the various sites - Help TBC and the head beekeeper to track and evaluate hive and yard wellness, and
prepare and post reports - Attend and support special events and other commitments when requested
- Respond to emails, texts, phone calls from TBC Board members in a timely manner; ie
usually within 24 hours, and ensure head beekeeper is kept informed - Submit timesheets and bills for equipment to the TBC treasurer no later than the 15th of
the month following the month in which the hours were spent / equipment delivered - Participate in staff and members’ meetings as requested
- Help with harvests (usually on weekends), including mid-week preparatory escape
installation and frame-pulling - Other duties as assigned
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience:
- Experience with honeybees and the management of an apiary
- Background with alternative treatment methods and/or organic practices
- Enjoy working with a diverse group of people and appreciate the range of fields of
study connected with beekeeping - Have flexibility to work a range of hours, with availability for both weekday and
weekend work, from April through to November - Good problem-solving abilities
- Able to work in and around Toronto
- First Aid and CPR trained
- Good computer skills (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, Google suite, and emails)
- Commitment to principles of food justice
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as part of a team
Requirements:
- Able to lift and move up to 40 pounds or 20 kg
- Able to work outdoors and on your feet for long stretches
- Available on weekends and outside of regular business hours on occasion
- Driver’s licence and access to a car or truck
Pay rate: $25.00 to $32.00/hourly depending on experience
Reporting to: head beekeeper, TBC Board and Executive
Location of Position: Toronto
Hours: 0 – 20 hours per week, depending on the season and hive requirements
Employment Type: Seasonal, Casual, Part-time
Available positions: 1
If this job looks like it would suit you, please send your resumé, along with a cover note
outlining why you would like to work with us, to Robin Sundstrom at robin@ironsideir.com
Please note:
TBC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to
consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected factors.
Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.