Beekeeper

Reports to: Field Manager

Location: LaBelle, FL

Schedule: Full-time (weekends and overnights as needed)

Compensation: $18.00 - 20.00/Hour (depending on experience)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, PTO

ABOUT US

We believe in making life a little sweeter. As the leading procurer of honey in the U.S., Sweet Harvest Foods provides the highest-quality ingredients for some of the most iconic brands and beloved products. That’s a serious responsibility, which is why we keep innovating and setting higher standards in quality, taste and reliability. Sweet Harvest Foods is bolstered by its ownership of Nature Nate’s Honey Co., the #1 branded honey, and Nate’s Hives, a top five U.S. apiary. Join us on our mission to lead the honey industry by innovating from the hive to beyond the kitchen.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Beekeeper will travel to various locations to inspect, repair, clean, feed, split and treat for disease, and raise new queen bees to strengthen colonies. This role will interact with honey bees during all stages of the honey bee lifecycle and primarily works outdoors, potentially impacting allergies (ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc.). This position involves managing and maintaining healthy colonies for large-scale pollination, requiring hands-on expertise and an understanding of beekeeping practices.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform manual and mechanized beekeeping activities accurately and efficiently
• Prepare bees and bee equipment for pollination
• Maintain beehives across locations, including honey extraction, hive-to-hive, etc.
• Respond correctly to bees to harmonize with their natural cycle to keep them in the healthiest state possible
• Build, repair, and clean beehives for the quality health of the colonies
• Utilize technology to document and report any problems requiring further resolution or specialized attention
• Actively participate in safety initiatives by attending meetings and training sessions to foster a safe work environment  
• Follow company guidelines and requirements a related to safety, sanitation, allergens, etc.
• Other duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1+ years of experience in beekeeping required
• Experience using technology in day-to-day work preferred
• Authorization to work in the U.S. required
• Strong commitment to safety and maintaining a safe working environment required
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to work around bees and apiaries where exposure to bee stings, pollen, honey, hive products, or other allergens is common
• Able to box, weigh, and load products onto vehicles
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds and up to a height of 5 feet
• Able to stand, walk and bend repetitively and for extended periods
• Able to work overnight and weekends on occasion