Beekeeper

Working With Us

We are are looking for a passionate and experienced Beekeeper to join our beekeeping team based in Whanganui. The role will start as soon as possible and will be permanent full time within our global team.

Driven by our purpose, our team love working here because of our passion for wellbeing, our commitment to the environment and sustainability and our aspirations to become the best employer. Being part of the global Comvita team means you get to work with others around the globe who share a passion for wellness and nature, and who strive to help leave the world a better place.

Some of the benefits our team members receive include:

• Private healthcare insurance (option to add family at discounted rate)
• Life insurance and serious illness cover
• Free annual medical checks and flu vaccinations
• 4% employer Kiwisaver contribution
• Annual bonus scheme
• A paid day off for your birthday
• Paid volunteering leave
• Regular wellbeing packs of Comvita honey and wellness products
• Long service programme with enhanced leave entitlements

The Job

You will be required to cover all aspects of commercial beekeeping activities including;

• Securing Mānuka honey production
• Hive manipulation and management 
• Responsibility for the quality and peak production of your allocated hives, including disease control
• Collaboration with other teams and branches to support the delivery of apiary performance targets
• Moving hives as required 
  

This role is based in Whanganui, with travel across the region required during peak season. All travel costs are covered by Comvita, and include a working away from home allowance.

About You
You will be passionate about bees and already have a solid background in beekeeping. To be considered for this role, you must have:

• At least 3 years of commercial beekeeping experience (in New Zealand or similar climate/conditions)
• A full NZ Class 1, (Class 2 and Class 4 driver’s license advantageous)
• The physical fitness to regularly lift and shift hive boxes
• Flexibility to travel and work long hours during peak season
• A strong commitment to health and safety practices
• Good communication skills and a collaborative working style

The following are advantageous but not essential:

• OSH forklift certification
• Beekeeping-related training or qualifications

Pay and Conditions
This role offers a starting rate of $30 - $32 per hour, and you will be employed full-time with a minimum of 40 hours per week.

NOTE: Safety is our number one priority for all people on any of our Comvita sites. As such we conduct pre-employment drug screening, and regular drug testing throughout employment to maintain high standards of workplace safety. 

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 wellbeing, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.