Job Description
About us
In the UK we tend our hives then extract, pack and sell the honey to wholesalers and quality retailers such as Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Waitrose, Co-op and Marks & Spencer. We also source interesting varieties of honey from other beekeepers worldwide, with a focus on quality, flavour and tradition, as well as supplying honey and beeswax to other companies.
We are focused on high quality, diverse, ethical and sustainable ways of bee farming. We have a wonderful set of beekeepers and staff based near Aberystwyth, in which diversity is key, as we all bring different skills and experiences to the table.
Overview
We are seeking a Beekeeper to join our team. This could be a skilled beekeeper, or a keen person willing to be training by our lead Beekeepers and our bees! As a Wainwright’s Beekeeper, you will be working on the care and maintenance of our bee colonies around Wales and England (primarily Wiltshire, Hampshire and Shropshire), ensuring their health and productivity, maintaining their surroundings, harvesting honey and brining harvests back to our production facility near Aberystwyth. This is a hands-on role that required flexibility to go with timings of the honey producing season, and like a farmer, to be able to adapt according to weather conditions. Overnight stays and weekend availability are occasionally required.
Duties
- Set up and maintain beehives, including assembling and repairing equipment.
- Inspect hives regularly to assess the health of the colonies.
- Monitor and manage bee populations.
- Harvest honey and other hive products, following proper extraction techniques.
- Perform routine hive maintenance, such as cleaning frames and replacing comb.
- Control pests and diseases that may affect the bees.
- Ensure bees have access to adequate food sources by irrigating or maintaining nearby gardens.
- Use hand tools and power tools for various tasks, such as hive construction and repairs.
- Maintain accurate records of hive inspections, honey productions and other relevant data.
Skills
- Knowledge of beekeeping practices, including bee biology and behaviour would be very helpful, but is not required as we are able to train up the right candidate.
- Mechanical knowledge for equipment repair and maintenance would be helpful but is not essential.
- Proficiency in using hand tools and power tools for hive construction or repairs.
- Ability to perform heavy lifting when handling hives or honey supers - required.
- Basic maths skills for record-keeping and calculating honey yields.
- Animal care skills to ensure the wellbeing of the bees.
Note: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as negotiated, to meet the ongoing needs of the bee farm.
Application
Please submit your CV or a written statement highlighting your relevant experience and interest in the role.
Schedule
- Full-time with overtime when required by beekeeping activities
- Monday to Friday (40hrs)
- Occasional night shift and weekend work
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Right to work in the UK
- Willingness to travel within the UK
Expected start date and duration
1 April 2025 until 31 October 2025
Requirements
- Driving licence
- Right to work in the UK
Accommodation available: caravan at £240 per month (DBS required for accommodation)
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months
Pay: £15.50 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 60 per week
Schedule:
Overtime
Weekend availability
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 01/04/2025