Queen bee breeder beekeeper

Applicants must currently be residing in New Zealand. This is a fixed term position from August/September 2020 to March/April 2021 (start and finish date negotiable). We are a family business that values quality, teamwork and sustainability. We have been breeding Italian queen bees for over 36 years selecting for desirable traits such as hygienic behaviour, friendly temperament and top honey production. Key tasks include; queen cell and mated queen bee production using ¾ depth hiveware (including grafting, harvesting cells and catching queens) harvesting honey, disease inspection and control, and testing for VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene) including some microscope work. You will need to be strong, fit and healthy and show initiative with at least 2 years of commercial beekeeping experience. Queen breeding experience and a full NZ drivers’ licence would be preferable, but not essential. You will have the ability to work unsupervised at times and be willing to work extra hours during the busy season including some Sundays. Full training and equipment will be provided with renumeration based on skills and experience. Possible accommodation options available. If you are a non-smoking, team player who loves a challenge and has a great sense of humour then this is the opportunity for you! Please e-mail [email protected] for more information.