Apiary Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable agriculture, the demand for proficient apiary managers has never been greater.

As the importance of honeybees in our ecosystem becomes increasingly recognized, the need for skilled hands who can nurture, expand, and protect our bee populations is escalating.

But what does it really mean to be an apiary manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of beekeeping,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Apiary Manager job description template, structured for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Apiary Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Apiary Managers oversee the care and production of honeybees and their colonies, focusing on honey production, pollination services and bee health.

This role requires extensive knowledge about bees and their behavior, and also expertise in hive management.

Apiary Managers perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain beehives to optimize honey production
• Inspect hives and bees to detect diseases, and apply appropriate treatments
• Ensure the health of bee colonies by regulating their diet and environment
• Harvest and extract honey while maintaining its quality and purity
• Track and record hive data, such as honey production and bee health
• Coordinate bee pollination services for local farmers and orchards
• Assist in the breeding and production of queen bees
• Train and supervise staff in hive management and safety procedures
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulations regarding beekeeping
• Prepare and manage budgets for the apiary
• Order beekeeping supplies and maintain equipment

 

Apiary Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Apiary Manager to oversee all aspects of our beekeeping operations.

The Apiary Manager responsibilities include managing honey production, ensuring the health of the bee colony, breeding and rearing bees, and maintaining beekeeping equipment.

Our ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of bee behavior, is experienced in managing a commercial apiary and is comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Ultimately, the role of the Apiary Manager is to ensure efficient and profitable honey production while maintaining the health and wellbeing of the bee colonies.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of honey production
• Monitor bee health and treat bee diseases and pests
• Breed and rear bees, including queen bees
• Maintain and repair beekeeping equipment
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulations related to beekeeping
• Harvest and package honey and other bee products
• Manage relationships with clients and suppliers
• Plan and execute colony management strategies
• Train and supervise apiary staff
• Keep detailed records of bees and honey production

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Apiary Manager or a similar role in commercial beekeeping
• Deep knowledge of bee biology and behavior
• Experience with bee disease and pest management
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Good understanding of local and national beekeeping regulations
• Familiarity with beekeeping equipment and its maintenance
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities
• High school diploma; further education or certification in agricultural science or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development in the field of apiculture

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Apiary Manager
• Work Environment: Outdoor apiary setting. Protective gear is provided and required for certain tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Operations Manager or Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Apiary Manager Do?

Apiary Managers, also known as beekeepers, primarily work in the agriculture or honey production industries.

They can also be self-employed, offering pollination services and selling products like honey, beeswax, and propolis.

They are in charge of maintaining the health of the bee colony, ensuring they have enough food and water, and protecting them from pests and diseases.

They also monitor the bees’ production of honey and collect it when ready.

Apiary Managers breed bees, replace old queens with new ones, and manage hive splits to prevent overcrowding and swarming.

They also periodically inspect hives for diseases or parasites.

Apart from maintaining the apiary, these managers may also be responsible for processing honey, packaging, and selling it.

Additionally, they might give talks or demonstrations about bees and beekeeping to schools, clubs, or other interested groups.

Ultimately, the Apiary Manager’s role is to ensure the health, productivity, and growth of the bee colonies while overseeing the production and distribution of bee-related products.

 

Apiary Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Apiary Manager should possess a range of skills and qualifications that ensure the successful management and operation of an apiary, including:

• Knowledge of bee biology and behavior to effectively manage the colony and identify any potential issues.
• Practical skills in apiary management, including the ability to handle bees and beekeeping equipment safely and effectively.
• Understanding of honey production processes, from hive management to extraction and packaging.
• Experience with pest and disease management, ensuring the health and productivity of the colony.
• Record keeping and data analysis skills to monitor hive performance, track honey production, and manage inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and address issues that may affect hive health or honey production.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to effectively manage staff and communicate with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
• Understanding of relevant health and safety regulations and best practices in the beekeeping industry.

 

Apiary Manager Experience Requirements

To become an Apiary Manager, it is beneficial to have a significant amount of practical experience, typically gained through hands-on roles in beekeeping.

This could include roles like Beekeeper Assistant or Apprentice Beekeeper, where the candidate learns about the daily care of bees, hive management, and honey production.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in beekeeping, often through an internship or part-time role in an apiary.

Such roles give the opportunity to learn about bee biology, behavior, and hive management.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have likely developed a deep understanding of bee health, disease prevention, and sustainable beekeeping practices.

They may also have experience in honey extraction and processing, as well as bee breeding.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are often ready to take on Apiary Manager roles.

At this level, they may have experience in managing multiple hive locations, supervising staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with honey production regulations.

They are also likely to have some leadership experience and may have been involved in the planning and execution of beekeeping workshops or educational programs.

To enhance their expertise, it’s beneficial for Apiary Managers to continuously update their knowledge about new beekeeping techniques, pest management, and environmental changes that may affect bee populations.

 

Apiary Manager Education and Training Requirements

Apiary Managers, also known as beekeepers, typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

While there are no specific degree requirements for this role, some individuals may pursue a bachelor’s degree in entomology, agriculture, biology, or a related field to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind beekeeping.

Practical, hands-on experience with beekeeping is of utmost importance.

This can be gained through personal experience, internships, or mentorship programs with experienced beekeepers.

There are also specialized beekeeping courses and workshops available at various institutions and online platforms that provide extensive training in bee behavior, hive management, honey production, disease control, and other related areas.

Apiary Managers may also choose to become certified through the Master Beekeeper Program or similar certification programs that offer comprehensive examinations to verify the individual’s knowledge and skills in beekeeping.

Staying updated with the latest research and trends in beekeeping, as well as regulations related to honey production and bee conservation, is important for the role of an Apiary Manager.

They may also need to have a pesticide applicator’s license depending on local laws and regulations.

A passion for the environment and nature, physical stamina, and the ability to work independently are other key requirements for this role.

 

Apiary Manager Salary Expectations

An Apiary Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $44,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as the size of the apiary, years of experience, location, and the specific duties involved in the job.

 

Apiary Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Apiary Manager need?

An Apiary Manager needs a combination of practical and scientific skills.

They must have a thorough understanding of bee biology, behavior, and hive management.

Practical skills include hive manipulation, honey extraction, and bee breeding.

They also need good problem-solving abilities to handle challenges like diseases, pests, and adverse weather conditions.

 

Do Apiary Managers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, many Apiary Managers have a background in agriculture, biology, or related fields.

Some may have completed courses or certifications in beekeeping.

Most importantly, they need extensive practical experience and understanding of beekeeping.

 

What should you look for in an Apiary Manager resume?

Look for experience in managing beehives and a demonstrated understanding of bee biology and behavior.

Evidence of successful honey production and hive growth would be beneficial.

Any additional qualifications, such as a degree in a related field or beekeeping certifications, should also be considered.

 

What qualities make a good Apiary Manager?

A good Apiary Manager is passionate about bees and the environment.

They should be patient, as beekeeping often requires waiting for the right conditions.

Attention to detail is crucial to monitor hive health and honey production.

They should also be physically fit as the job can involve lifting heavy equipment and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

 

What are the daily duties of an Apiary Manager?

The daily duties of an Apiary Manager include inspecting hives, monitoring bee health, feeding bees, managing honey extraction, and maintaining records of hive productivity.

They may also be involved in bee breeding and queen rearing.

Other tasks could include equipment maintenance and communicating with customers or suppliers.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Apiary Manager?

Hiring an Apiary Manager can be challenging due to the specialized skills and experience required for the role.

It can be difficult to find candidates with the right mix of practical experience and theoretical understanding of beekeeping.

Furthermore, the physical demands and outdoor nature of the job may not appeal to all candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of being an apiary manager.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about tending to bees.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of nature, one hive at a time.

With our comprehensive apiary manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to buzz into action.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulously detailed listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Each hive contributes to the grandeur of the ecosystem.

Let’s nurture that world. Together.

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