Beekeeper

Egmont Honey Limited; Taihape; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rates

Discounted products on site

Ongoing training and personal developm

Job summary

Egmont Honey in Taihape, Manawatu, NZ, is seeking two Beekeepers to join a hands-on team. The role involves hive health, honey harvesting, and seasonal hive movements, with 30 hours per week minimum and up to 60 hours during peak periods.

Applicants should have 2–3 years of beekeeping experience, be physically fit for outdoor work, and able to work collaboratively. Competitive hourly rates and on-site training are offered within a supportive team dedicated to premium New Zealand honey.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years beekeeping experience
• Physically fit and comfortable with outdoor work
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Eager to learn and develop within the industry
• Comfortable around bees and bee products
• Good communication skills and a calm demeanour around 60,000 bees

Responsibilities

• Assist with development, management, and maintenance of beehives
• Honey harvesting and hive maintenance
• Monitor hive productivity and seasonal movements
• Pest and disease management
• Perform repairs and maintenance on beekeeping equipment
• Support quality, food safety and health & safety standards
• Build relationships with farmers and landowners
• Respond to bee swarm callouts and relocations
• Work as part of a close-knit team in a hands-on outdoor environment

Skills

Beekeeping experience

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Tools

Beekeeping equipment maintenance

Job description

Egmont Honeyis a major player in the Manuka Honey market in New Zealand and around the world. This is a great opportunity to join our team and support our apiary operations based in Taihape, Manawatu. A minimum of 30 hours per week, increasing to 60 hours during the busy season. Flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods is essential.

If you enjoy hands-on work, being outdoors, and working as part of a close-knit team, this could be the role for you.

About the role

Reporting to the Beekeeper Manager, you’ll assist with the development, management, and maintenance of beehives to support pollination and honey production targets.

Your day-to-day may include:

Managing hive health and bee welfare

Honey harvesting and hive maintenance

Monitoring hive productivity and seasonal hive movements

Pest and disease management

Carrying out repairs and maintenance on beekeeping equipment

Supporting quality, food safety, and health & safety standards

Building positive relationships with farmers and landowners

Responding to bee swarm callouts and relocations when required

No two days are the same, and the role involves a mix of physical outdoor work, travel, teamwork, and responsibility.

What we’re looking for

A minimum of 2–3 years’ beekeeping experience is essential

Be physically fit and comfortable with manual outdoor work

Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic

Be eager to learn and develop within the industry

Be comfortable working around bees and bee products

Have strong attention to detail and good communication skills

A calm head and a good sense of humour goes a long way when working with 60,000 tiny co-workers

What’s in it for you?

At Egmont Honey, you’ll be joining a passionate and hardworking team focused on producing premium New Zealand honey and supporting people to be their best selves, naturally.

We’re currently looking for two Beekeepers to join our team and can offer:

Competitive hourly rates

Heavily discounted products made right here on site

Ongoing training and personal development opportunities

A supportive team culture with plenty of variety in the role

The chance to work outdoors and be part of a unique and growing industry

We’re looking for capable and disciplined individuals, who are aligned with our values, and committed to delivering an excellent experience to our customers.

All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Please note

This role involves regular exposure to bees and bee products in a hands‑on working environment. For health and safety reasons, applicants with known allergies to bee stings are strongly advised not to apply.