About the Opportunity
Apis Arborea is advancing a new and emerging model of honeybee conservation that recognizes honeybees not simply as managed livestock but as participants in evolving ecological systems. Our work integrates scientific inquiry, restoration practice, education, and advocacy to support the resilience of free-living honeybee populations and the landscapes they inhabit.
As a small and innovative conservation organization, Apis Arborea operates at the frontier of an emerging field at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and culture. Through long-term field research, the development of arboreal nesting systems, and the implementation of watershed-aligned pollination models, our work is helping shape new pathways for conservation and regenerative pollination systems while contributing to a growing international dialogue about the role of wild honeybees in resilient ecosystems.
Joining Apis Arborea offers a rare opportunity to participate in a pioneering effort and to contribute meaningfully to the development of an evolving conservation approach. Our team is inspired by the eusocial values of honeybees: collaboration, distributed intelligence, shared purpose, and mutual care. We approach conservation not simply as management, but as relationship, learning from ecological processes and working within them.
The Program Coordinator plays a key role in bringing this work to life through field implementation, program coordination, and public engagement.
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator advances Apis Arborea’s restoration, research, and public engagement initiatives through coordinated field implementation, program management, and ecological education. This role bridges on-the-ground conservation work with planning, logistics, partner coordination, and community learning.
The Program Coordinator supports long-term monitoring of free-living honeybee populations, implements LocApiary projects across regional watersheds, and plays a leading role in educational programming including workshops, field immersions, and public events.
This position requires strong organizational capacity, field competence, relational communication, and curiosity about emerging models of ecological stewardship.
Core Responsibilities
Field Research and Monitoring
- Conduct beelining and landscape observation to locate and document free-living honeybee nests
- Monitor established wild bee trees and TreeNests using standardized data collection protocols
- Maintain accurate field notes, photo documentation, and digital records
- Support data organization and contribute to internal and external reporting
- Participate in the adaptive refinement of monitoring methodologies
- Travel regularly to regional field sites across Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Mendocino Counties
TreeNest Installation and Services
- Install TreeNests up to approximately 20 feet high using ropes, pulleys, ladders, ratchet systems, and climbing harnesses in accordance with established safety protocols
- Safely ascend and work at height during installations using approved climbing equipment and procedures
- Monitor and service existing TreeNests and associated apiary installations, including routine inspections and client support visits
- Maintain tools, workshop organization, and safe working conditions
LocApiary Program Implementation
- Coordinate logistics for LocApiary sites including scheduling, partner communication, and site planning
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor honeybee colonies and habitat conditions Support installation of TreeNests and upgraded Langstroth systems in collaboration
- Track program metrics including colony survival, site engagement, and partner participation Maintain clear communication with farmers, land stewards, and project partners
- Contribute to program evaluation and annual planning processes
Program Management and Coordination
- Develop and maintain program calendars, site visit schedules, and field workflows
- Support grant deliverables by tracking milestones, outcomes, and documentation requirements
- Assist in drafting brief field updates, summaries, and program reports
- Coordinate volunteers, interns, participants and visiting researchers during field days
- Maintain organized digital systems using Google Workspace for program documentation
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve cross-program communication
Education and Public Engagement
- Co-lead and facilitate workshops, field immersions, and educational events, including coordinating logistics and participant communications
- Provide ecological interpretation during site visits, fostering literacy around pollinator health, regenerative stewardship, and honeybee ecology
- Support curriculum development for youth programs, partner organizations, and public audiences
- Represent Apis Arborea professionally in community settings
- Model safety, care, and respect in all interactions with land, humans and wildlife
Safety and Compliance
- Follow workplace safety protocols including ladder and tree-climbing safety, heat illness prevention, and field risk mitigation
- Participate in required safety trainings and field briefings
- Identify and communicate potential hazards in field environments
- Maintain certifications and documentation as required by organizational policy.
A Note to Applicants
Apis Arborea operates in a highly specialized and emerging field of conservation practice. We do not expect candidates to arrive with experience in every aspect of this work. Many of the skills involved in this role are developed through hands-on learning and mentorship.
If you feel inspired by our mission and believe you could grow into this role, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not match every qualification listed above. Curiosity, integrity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are qualities we value deeply, and training will be provided for many aspects of the position.
We are committed to cultivating a team that reflects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ways of learning, and we welcome applicants who bring unique perspectives to this evolving field.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation, education, nonprofit management, or related field preferred
- Equivalent field-based experience considered
Experience
- Experience in ecological fieldwork, environmental education, regenerative agriculture, or conservation
- Experience coordinating programs, projects, or events
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders including farmers, volunteers, and community members
- Comfort working outdoors in proximity to honeybees and other pollinators; training in bee behavior, safety practices, and honeybee observation will be provided as needed
- Familiarity with honeybee ecology or beekeeping helpful but not required
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
Mission Alignment
- Commitment to ecological restoration and regenerative stewardship
- Interest in emerging conservation models that center ecological processes and long-term resilience
- Openness to interdisciplinary thinking and evolving paradigms in apiculture and conservation
Program and Organizational Skills
- Strong project coordination and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple field sites and priorities simultaneously
- Proficiency in Google Workspace including Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Calendar
- Detail-oriented approach to documentation and data tracking
Relational Communication
- Clear, compassionate, and professional communication
- Comfort speaking in front of groups and facilitating discussion
- Ability to build trust with land partners, volunteers, and collaborators
- Collaborative mindset with capacity for independent fieldwork
Results Orientation
- High personal standard for accuracy, safety, and follow-through
- Ability to translate field observations into organized records and actionable insights
- Commitment to continuous learning and adaptive improvement
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Comfort working in proximity to honeybee colonies and other pollinators in outdoor environments
- Ability to lift and transport equipment and materials
- Comfort driving long distances to rural field sites
- Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and uneven terrain
- Ability to climb ladders and work at heights of approximately 20 feet using a climbing harness and safety equipment
- Capacity for physically active field days lasting up to eight hours
- Willingness to complete required safety trainings related to ladder use, climbing systems, and field risk management
How to Apply
Please apply through Indeed and include the following materials:
- Resume
- Brief cover letter describing your interest in the role and connection to the mission of Apis Arborea - email to: [email protected]
Because this is a highly specialized and emerging field, we welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds and encourage you to share what draws you to this work.
*Please note: Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered.
Work Location
This is an in-person position based in Sebastopol, California, with frequent travel to field sites throughout Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Mendocino Counties.
Compensation
Hourly range: $30 to $36 per hour, commensurate with experience and organizational budget.
Equal Opportunity
Apis Arborea is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team and culture rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and mutual care.
Other Duties
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties may evolve as organizational priorities develop.
*Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by June 30, 2026.
Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
