Beekeeping Assistant

JBees Limited; Tauranga, Rotorua; On-site; NZD 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Evening meals provided

Full on-the-job training

Small family-owned operation

Job summary

JBees Limited in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, is seeking an Assistant Beekeeper for a seasonal role from mid/late September through to March/April 2027. No previous beekeeping experience is required as full training is provided.

On-site accommodation and evening meals are included, and you will work closely with Lead Beekeepers to prepare hives for pollination and harvest honey. This outdoor, hands-on role suits someone who loves nature and physical activity.

Qualifications

• Experience: None required — we will fully train a eager beginner.
• Physical fitness: ability to lift heavy hive boxes (up to 25kg) and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Resilience: comfortable around bees and wearing a full protective bee suit daily; not allergic to stings.
• Driver's licence: valid NZ licence or equivalent; overseas licences accepted.
• Visa: Working Holiday Visa holders welcome.
• Attitude: reliable team player with strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Hive maintenance: routine inspections, pest and disease monitoring (AFB checks), feeding regimes.
• Pollination: prepare hives for spring pollination and assist with placement and feeding.
• Harvest operations: assist with honey harvests and transport hives between sites.
• Honey extraction: assist in extracting honey from hives.
• Field safety: follow biosecurity, health and safety protocols.

Skills

Physical fitness

Heavy lifting

Team player

Outdoor work

Driver's licence

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Beekeeper / Beekeeping Assistant
Location: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Job Type: Seasonal — Starting Mid / Late September through to March/April 2027 for the right person
Reports To: Lead Beekeeper / Operations Manager

About the Role

We are a family-owned beekeeping business seeking an energetic and reliable Assistant Beekeeper to join our team in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. In this role, you will work directly alongside our Lead Beekeepers to prepare our hives for pollination then harvest honey from our network of remote apiary sites. This is a highly active, outdoor role perfect for a backpacker who loves nature, is physically fit, and wants a hands‑on season in New Zealand's primary sector. No previous experience is required however this could be a benefit — full training provided. Free accommodation and evening meal are provided on top of your wage, with no board costs deducted.

Key Responsibilities

• Hive Maintenance: Assist with regular hive inspections, pest and disease monitoring (including AFB checks), and feeding regimes.
• Pollination: Prepare hives for spring pollination season and assist with placing and feeding them.
• Harvest Operations: Help harvest honey supers during the busy summer season and safely transport hives between apiary locations.
• Honey Extraction: Assist the team in our facility to extract the honey from our hives.
• Field Safety: Adhere strictly to biosecurity guidelines, health and safety protocols, and ensure the welfare of the hives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: None required — we're happy to fully train an enthusiastic beginner but some experience could be beneficial if you have it.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to lift heavy hive boxes (up to 25kg) repeatedly and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Resilience: Comfortable working around bees and wearing a full protective bee suit daily. Must not be allergic to bee stings.
• Driver's Licence: A full, current driver's licence valid to drive in New Zealand required (NZ licence or valid overseas/International Driving Permit equivalent — learner or provisional licences not accepted).
• Visa: Working Holiday Visa holders welcome.
• Attitude: A reliable team player with a strong work ethic and keen attention to detail.

What We Offer

• Hourly Rate: $23.95/hr (NZ adult minimum wage) — paid in full, no deductions
• Accommodation: On-site accommodation and evening meal provided at no cost to you
• Training: Full on-the-job training in beekeeping from experienced Lead Beekeepers
• Team: Join a small, family-owned operation where you'll be a valued part of the team, not just a number
• Season: Work through to March/April and get the full NZ beekeeping experience.