POSITION AND PERSON DESCRIPTION FOR AN APICULTURAL ADVISORY
OFFICER POSITION AVAILABLE IN NEW ZEALAND
 
TITLE:             Apiculture Advisory Officer
LOCATION:          Invermay
RESPONSIBLE TO:    Apiculture Services Manager
BUSINESS GROUP:    Agricultural Security
PERSPECTIVE:       Regional [ ]       Business [*]
STAFF SUPERVISED:  Nil
SALARY RANGE:      $22,252 - $41,644  Starting salary dependant
                   on qualifications and experience
APPLICATIONS TO:   Stuart White
                   Services Manager
                   MAF Quality Management
                   Private Bag
                   CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
                   ph (03) 794 100
                   fx (03) 656 479
 
RELATIONSHIPS:     Reports to Apicultural Services Manager and
works in a team with other apiculture and agricultural security
staff who deliver services in the South Island.  Functional
relationships will be created with Apiculture Advisory Officers
in other regions and with the National Co-ordinator (Apiculture).
Relationships will be established with existing and new clients.
Rapport with Beekeepers Association is essential.
 
PURPOSE:           To organise and deliver technically credible
services to the requirements of the MAF Regulatory Authority and
the apiary industry in Otago/Southland and contribute to national
projects as required.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
1    To maximise the capability of MAF Quality Management and the
apiary industry to prevent, detect or respond to the entry of an
exotic disease or pest.  This involves the development and
implementation of systems for quarantine, surveillance and
emergency response and programmes to increase industry and public
awareness.  This position will be responsible for contributing to
the development and implementation of training programmes for MAF
and beekeeping industry personnel.
 
2    To administer the Apiary Registration requirements in the
Otago/Southland. This involves maintaining the database of the
Apiary Register for the Otago/Southland district.
 
3    To manage a hive inspection audit programme for endemic
disease to the level contracted.
 
4    To provide quality control or quality assurance programmes
for export certification of bees, bee products and bee equipment.
Included is the responsibility for monitoring and training of
certifying officers in the South Island.
 
5    To co-ordinate the active surveillance programme and be
responsible for lab analysis of all samples taken by MAF or
submitted by beekeepers.
 
6    To provide commercially viable consultancy services to
individuals, companies or client groups in New Zealand and
overseas.
 
7    To contribute to the development of information systems
which assist in meeting reporting requirements and enable the
identification of opportunities for business efficiency or
growth.
 
KEY TASKS:
 
1    Provide leadership to and liaise with the apiculture
industry.
 
2    Establish an effective public relations capability.
 
3    Continually monitor new developments and new technologies
and utilise information technology to benefit MAF Quality
Managements apiculture services.
 
4    Provide reports as required by the Apiculture Services
Manager.
 
5    Participate in the planning of apicultural services
regionally and nationally as required.
 
6    Prospect for new business with the apiary industry and
individual clients by maintaining industry intelligence and
rapport with clients.
 
7    To provide regional and national management with advice and
guidance on technical and business matters in the apiculture
service, market access and agricultural security areas.
 
8    Develop and implement delivery systems which comply with
relevant ISO standards.
 
9    To provide apiculture and Border Protection staff training
in the South Island.
 
10   Ensure highest priority is given in responding to any
suspect outbreak of exotic disease by maintaining procedures and
after hours contact systems.
 
PERSON SPECIFICATION
 
Qualifications:  The applicant should hold a tertiary
qualification.
 
Previous Experience:  The appointee to the above position must
have experience in beekeeping.  Experience in extension, public
relations, microbiology and computing is also desirable.
 
Physical Requirements:  Because the job requires some field
inspection of beehives, the applicant must be capable of lifting
relatively heavy loads and have good eyesight.
 
Knowledge:  Knowledge of beekeeping, the apiculture industryand
agricultural security concepts.
 
Personal Attributes/Qualities:
 
1       Show high degree of self-motivation, initiative and
sensitivity in order to support the business objectives of MAF
Quality Management.
 
2       Demonstrate highly effective interpersonal and written
and verbal communication skills, with emphasis on an ability to
relate to people at all levels.
 
3       Demonstrate innovative and interpretive qualities in
developing and improving technical systems and applications.
 
4       Demonstrate technical competence and credibility in
developing delivery systems and training programmes.
 
5       Demonstrate perception and competence in contributing to
planning at national and regional levels.
 
6       Demonstrate ability to liaise effectively with regional
staff, other government departments, CRI's and private sector
interests.
 
7       Work with integrity, energy and sensitivity in securing
established MAF Quality Management business in the South Island,
and in achieving client satisfaction.
 
8       Demonstrate initiative and business acumen in developing
new opportunities in MAF Quality Management.
 
9       Identify and take advantage of opportunities to improve
personal development.
 
10      Demonstrate leadership, decision-making and self
management skills.
 
July 1992