Beekeeping Assistant
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Payment: $23.95 + Accommodation + Evening Meal Location: Tauranga
Region: Rotorua & Bay of Plenty Experience: No Experience Necessary

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.