Apiarist

Apiarist / Beekeeper Location: Tintinara, South Australia Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: AUD $70,000 - $90,000 per annum About Our Client Hooper Honey Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Apiarist / Beekeeper to join its team in Tintinara, South Australia. This is a hands-on agricultural role involving the management of honeybee colonies, apiary operations, honey production, bee breeding, hive health, biosecurity and day-to-day beekeeping activities. The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining healthy and productive colonies while supporting efficient and sustainable apiary operations. Due to the seasonal nature of beekeeping, flexibility with working hours, travel between apiary sites and seasonal overtime is required. About the Role The Apiarist / Beekeeper will be responsible for overseeing and undertaking beekeeping activities, including colony management, bee breeding, hive inspections, honey production, apiary maintenance and the health and welfare of honeybee colonies. The role will also involve maintaining accurate records, coordinating apiary operations, supervising workers where required, and ensuring compliance with biosecurity, workplace health and safety and quality requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage and maintain honeybee colonies to support healthy, productive and sustainable apiary operations. Oversee and undertake bee breeding and queen-rearing activities to improve colony strength, productivity and genetic quality. Monitor and maintain the health, welfare and condition of honeybee colonies, including identifying and managing pests, diseases and other risks. Develop and oversee biosecurity strategies and procedures to minimise the spread of pests, diseases and other threats between apiary sites. Monitor hive condition, colony strength, brood development, queen performance, food stores and overall colony productivity. Manage feeding and nutrition programs where required to maintain colony health and condition. Organise and undertake hive inspections, hive movements, colony splitting, requeening and other seasonal apiary activities. Manage honey harvesting operations, including preparing colonies for honey flow, removing honey supers, transporting honey and supporting extraction and processing activities. Operate, maintain and safely use beekeeping equipment, vehicles, machinery and other apiary infrastructure. Coordinate the movement, placement and maintenance of hives across apiary sites in accordance with seasonal requirements and production plans. Monitor honey production targets and assess colony performance and productivity. Maintain and evaluate accurate records relating to colonies, queen breeding, hive movements, treatments, honey production, feeding and other apiary activities. Oversee data collection and use relevant farm or apiary technology systems to monitor production, colony health and operational performance. Ensure apiary activities comply with relevant quality assurance, food safety, biosecurity, environmental and workplace health and safety requirements. Direct and oversee general apiary activities, including the maintenance of hives, sheds, storage areas, fencing, water supplies, access areas and other infrastructure. Organise the purchase, storage and appropriate use of beekeeping equipment, supplies, feed, treatments and other materials. Coordinate the transportation of hives, equipment and honey between apiary sites and processing or storage facilities. Monitor market and production conditions and contribute to planning honey production and apiary activities accordingly. Assist with operational budgeting, resource planning and cost management relating to apiary activities. Supervise, train and mentor apiary workers and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment across apiary and associated work areas. Participate in continuous improvement of beekeeping practices, production systems and colony management strategies. Essential Requirements Demonstrated experience working as an Apiarist, Beekeeper or in a similar commercial beekeeping role. Strong practical knowledge of honeybee colony management and apiary operations. Knowledge and experience in bee health, disease and pest management, hive inspection and biosecurity. Experience with honey harvesting and commercial honey production. Knowledge of bee breeding, queen management and colony improvement practices. Ability to work outdoors in rural and agricultural environments. Ability to work flexible hours and undertake seasonal overtime as required. Strong record-keeping, organisational and communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Current driver's licence. Willingness to relocate to Tintinara or live within reasonable commuting distance. Must be comfortable working closely with honeybees and handling colonies. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Formal qualifications or recognised training in beekeeping, apiculture, agriculture or a related field. Experience supervising or leading apiary workers. Experience with queen breeding and genetic improvement programs. Experience managing multiple apiary sites. Experience using farm management, production or record-keeping technology. HR or HC driver's licence. Experience with commercial honey extraction and processing operations.