Adjunct Instructor- Beekeeping, Hourly, CE

The Iowa Western Business and Community Education is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic beekeeper to teach our introductory beekeeping course. This position is ideal for an experienced beekeeper with a passion for education, as the primary responsibility is to instruct community members and students on the fundamentals of beekeeping. The course consists of winter classroom sessions and hands-on summer apiary sessions, with all apiary management handled by the college's program staff.

• Instruction: Develop and deliver an engaging curriculum for a "Beginner Beekeeping" course. This includes four two-hour winter classroom sessions and a series of summer open apiary hours for hands-on instruction.
• Curriculum Development: Prepare and present a variety of topics, including bee biology, hive components, seasonal hive management, and pest identification. You will be responsible for creating or adapting course materials like slides and handouts.
• Hands-on Training: Lead small groups during supervised, hands-on sessions at the collegeâ??s apiary. Provide clear and safe instructions on hive inspections and other beekeeping tasks.
• Student Support: Serve as a subject matter expert for class participants, answering questions and providing guidance throughout the course.

• Required:
  • Proven experience as a beekeeper with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of honey bee behavior, life cycles, and common beekeeping practices in the Iowa climate.

  • Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to teach a diverse audience of beginners.

  • A commitment to beekeeping safety and a willingness to follow all established protocols.

  • Ability to pass a background check.

• Preferred:

  • Experience in teaching, training, or public speaking.

  • Completion of a beekeeping certification program (e.g., a state-level or Master Beekeeper program).

• Ability to Work Outdoors: Must be able to work in outdoor conditions, including varying temperatures, sun, and humidity, for the duration of the scheduled sessions (typically 2-3 hours).
• Mobility and Balance: Ability to walk on uneven terrain (e.g., grass, dirt, gravel) and navigate safely around active beehives.
• Lifting and Handling: Must be able to lift and manipulate hive components for instructional purposes, including lifting a honey super (up to 75 lbs) and individual frames (up to 5-10 lbs).
• Dexterity and Strength: Requires fine motor skills to handle small tools and frames, as well as the upper body strength to pry apart hive boxes and frames that may be sealed with propolis.
• Stamina: Must be able to stand, bend, and crouch for extended periods while demonstrating and supervising beekeeping activities.
• Suit Tolerance: Must be able to wear a full protective beekeeping suit comfortably for the duration of the class, as it can retain heat and restrict movement.
• Standing/sitting in front of a classroom, use hands to operate computer keyboard, telephone, and other basic office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use a phone. Reading, writing, calculating, social interaction skills, reasoning/analysis, and ability to work with minimal supervision, high degree of problem-solving, organizational skills with the teaching and learning process.