Beekeeper

Whitehall Fruitpackers is a progressive horticultural company based in the Waikato. While our main focus is on our 250+ canopy hectares of green and gold kiwifruit, (with a strong focus on organics) we are involved in most primary production including dairy farming, dry stock, apiaries and forestry.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced beekeeper who is not only interested in keeping bees but also keen to be involved in a variety of orchard-based work when needed during the beekeeping off season.
Our focus is tending to our hives to provide quality pollination for our kiwifruit orchards. 
Main responsibilities include: Maintain colonies of healthy bees for pollination and production of honeyCollect any hive products including honey, beeswax, and pollen Help make decisions on yards, treatment, splits, honey harvesting and all other beekeeping activities Build and manage queen-rearing operationsEnsure breeding yards are kept at an optimal level of production Maintain strict control over diseases and pests Identify and report hive health concerns Prepare colonies for both production and wintering during season changes You will need to: Be passionate about beekeeping and willing to learnHave a strong work ethic, adaptability and commitment to get the job doneBe a team player and enjoy working in a close knit and diverse teamObserve all our health and safety requirements and treat others with respectGreat communication skillsBe physically strong and well, with the ability to lift up to 25kg Preferred experience: Commercial Beekeeping experienceQueen rearing experienceClass 2 or above driver's licenseForklift licenseDECA Interested candidates must be a New Zealand Resident or Citizen. 
If you have questions about the position, please email (email protected) with the job title as the subject. 
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.