Queen Production Beekeeper

Comvita Apiaries; Te Awamutu, Kihikihi; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Private health insurance

Life and trauma insurances

KiwiSaver 4%

Product samples

Job summary

Comvita is seeking an experienced Beekeeper with queen production expertise to lead day-to-day queen rearing and mentor a small team of beekeepers at our Waikato apiary near Te Awamutu.

You will supervise grafting, cell raising and mating, coordinate breeding schedules, and ensure biosecurity and health management across colonies. This hands-on role blends practical apiary work with planning and accountability for outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of practical beekeeping experience, including queen rearing exposure.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and actively carry out day-to-day queen rearing operations, including grafting, cell raising, mating, and queen introduction.
• Plan and coordinate breeding schedules and mating yard activities
• Support in selection and maintenance of breeder colonies aligned with breeding objectives
• Monitor production outcomes and maintain detailed records
• Supervise, train, and support beekeepers and seasonal staff
• Allocate daily tasks and ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard
• Maintain a strong team culture focused on safety, quality, and performance
• Provide feedback and support development of team members
• Conduct hive inspections and oversee colony health management
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity and AFB regulations
• Support wider apiary operations as required

Job description

At Comvita we embrace the science of nature to support natural health and wellbeing, and to build global resilience. We believe in the power and wisdom of bees, and the idea of “One Hive”,where belonging makes each of us stronger.

We are seeking an experienced Beekeeper with strong queen production expertise to take on a specialist role within our apiary team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision and hands‑on operation of queen production activities while coordinating a small team of beekeepers. This role combines hands‑on technical work with, planning, and accountability for results.

What your day could look like;

• Supervise and actively carry out day‑to‑day queen rearing operations, including grafting, cell raising, mating, and queen introduction.
• Plan and coordinate breeding schedules and mating yard activities
• Support in selection and maintenance of breeder colonies aligned with breeding objectives
• Monitor production outcomes and maintain detailed records
• Supervise, train, and support beekeepers and seasonal staff
• Allocate daily tasks and ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard
• Maintain a strong team culture focused on safety, quality, and performance
• Provide feedback and support development of team members
• Conduct hive inspections and oversee colony health management
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity and AFB regulations
• Support wider apiary operations as required
  

In applying for this job, you must be willing to undergo pre-employment drug screening and consent to ongoing random drug testing whilst in employment

Other things to be aware of in the role;

• Outdoor, physically demanding work environment
• Exposure to bee stings and varying weather conditions
• Weekend work may be required during peak periods or when operationally necessary
• Seasonal workload peaks during spring and summer

What you'll bring;

• Minimum5 years of practical beekeeping experience, including queen rearing exposure
• Experience with grafting and queen production techniques
• Demonstrated ability to lead or supervise a team
• Good understanding of bee behaviour and colony management
• Ability to identify common pests and diseases
• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills
• Full, clean driver’s licence (preferred)

Working with us

At Comvita, you will be part of a purpose-driven business with a proud legacy and a bold future. You will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of our people while working in a supportive, values‑led environment.

We offer competitiveremuneration, and benefits including:

• An opportunity to join a team who are passionate about doing business in a way where people and bees can thrive together in harmony.
• Birthday leave – a paid day off for your birthday every year
• Private health insurance– add your family members at a discounted rate
• Life and trauma insurances
• Frequent supply of Comvita products
• Increased KiwiSaver employer contribution of 4%
• Additionalfamily benefits such as enhanced parental leave allowances

Comvita’s Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials.

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita.

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business.

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to well-being,diversityand equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas,talentsand experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.