Job and Internship Listings

The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab (UF/IFAS HBREL) is a national leader in honey bee research and education. Each year, we work with beekeepers, educators, regulators, and more to develop practical and accessible training for beekeepers in Florida and around the world. We are looking for a motivated, self-starting individual that will collaborate with HBREL professionals in making a difference in the lives of Florida’s beekeepers and the honey bee industry. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system and be service-oriented. Candidates must also have a commitment to IFAS core values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.

CONTACT: Chris Oster, UF/IFAS HBREL Laboratory Manager (osterc96@ufl.edu)

SUPERVISOR: Amy Vu, UF/IFAS State Specialized Extension Agent, Apiary (amy.vu@ufl.edu)

START DATE: July 2025 PAY: Commensurate with experience ($22-$24 an hour)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The primary responsibility will be to collaborate with the UF/IFAS Specialized Extension Agent, Apiculture, with targeted extension programs and event logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Event Planning: Supervise and organize the UF/IFAS Bee College events. This entails (1) selecting speakers and course topics, (2) setting course goals, and (3) overseeing the event planning efforts and administrative tasks for the team, including advertising, registration, arranging venue, lodging, catering, and coordinating speakers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, the honey show. Coordinate logistics for all UF/IFAS HBREL workshops, such as Extension agent in-service trainings or grant related programs.

Science Communication: Manage the HBREL’s digital communications, marketing, and dissemination of honey bee research through appropriate channels. This includes developing content, maintaining an editorial calendar, and tracking performance measures for the lab’s social media pages (Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube), blog, website (www.ufhoneybee.com) and e-mail listserv. The incumbent will be responsible for providing excellent and timely customer service to internal and external clients by answering daily honey bee-related phone calls and emails, leading regular facility tours for visitors, and tabling at occasional outreach events. The individual must explore and implement novel ways of distributing honey bee information and keep up to date on relevant issues in the honey bee industry. Examples of other science communication projects at the HBREL may include, but are not limited to, audio production, photography, and videography, as well as creating fact sheets, online learning modules, and other publications. Finally, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to develop evaluation tools that can be used to assess the impact of these efforts.

Other: Administrative duties, such as reconciling purchases, reporting clientele visits and impacts, and other evaluation-related projects. Use of UF systems such as UF GO, UF Marketplace, T4 web, and TEAMS. Perform other duties as assigned by the UF/IFAS State Specialized Extension Agent, Apiculture. Members of the HBREL are involved in various Extension efforts, many of which are somewhat spontaneous or are developed “on demand.”

WHY WORK WITH US
• Build communication and problem-solving skills.
• Network with and learn from honey bee experts worldwide.
• Support the honey bee industry and make a difference in the state of Florida.
• Develop organizational, planning, and public speaking skills.

WORK SCHEDULE: Mostly weekdays (between the hours of 8am and 5pm), occasional weekend and evening work. *Bee College is held during the University of Florida spring and summer breaks. Preferred candidates for this position will be willing to work extended hours during those weeks.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience/training in event planning is required.
• Excellent customer service and ability to problem solve and work independently is a must.
• Attention to detail and good communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of honey bees and/or beekeeping is preferred, but the above qualifications are much more important to this position. Candidates should be production and deadline driven, creative, and respond well to team accountability. Previous involvement with agricultural science communication and/or agricultural related fields is preferred.

To be considered, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and references to Chris Oster (osterc96@ufl.edu) with the subject line “Attn: Extension Program Coordinator”, by 11:59pm June 22, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in.