Apiary Worker (beekeeping And Pollination)

Job description

Workers will assist with all aspects of commercial beekeeping for Arizona Apiaries LLC, including the care, maintenance, and management of honeybee colonies used for honey production and pollination of orchard crops. Duties include inspecting hives to assess colony health and queen performance; adding or removing hive boxes; feeding bees; maintaining colony strength; assembling, repairing, cleaning, and painting beekeeping equipment; making splits; preparing colonies for pollination contracts; loading and unloading colonies for transport between apiary and orchard locations (including some evening or early-morning moves); harvesting, extracting, filtering, and packaging honey; monitoring for pests and diseases; and applying treatments as directed.

Work will occur at multiple apiary and orchard sites throughout Arizona and North Dakota, depending on the season, honey flow, and pollination contracts. Workers will travel between worksites as directed by the employer and will not be required to remain overnight away from employer-provided housing unless moving colonies under supervision.

Work is physically demanding and performed outdoors in varying weather conditions. Workers must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and tolerate hot, dry, or windy environments. Must follow all safety rules and supervisor instructions. Experience required. Tools, equipment, and protective gear provided at no cost. Employer guarantees three-fourths (¾) of the total work hours of the contract period and provides free housing and local transportation between housing and worksites.

Special Requirements

Twelve (12) months of experience in commercial beekeeping required, including assisting in queen rearing and mating. Workers must be experienced in handling queen cells, grafting larvae, managing mating nucleus colonies, evaluating queen performance, and safely marking and introducing queens. Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks outdoors in hot, dry, or windy conditions. Must be willing to work variable hours when weather or bee conditions require hive movement early in the morning or late in the evening. Workers must follow all safety and bee-handling procedures and employer policies. No formal education required; drivers license not required. Tools, equipment, and protective gear provided at no cost to the worker.