Bee Keeper

Bee Keeper at Big Sky Honey, Inc. - CA in Bakersfield, CA.

Multiple contract dates available. Alternative start date(s) include: 03/01/2027 (8 workers). The exact start date and/or number of workers may vary based on weather, crop conditions or other factors.

Crops/Commodities: honey. Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays): This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience working in a honeybee farm handling both manual and mechanized tasks. Workers must be able to perform manual and mechanized tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Prepare bees and bee equipment for pollination. Must be familiar with working with bees in all stages, from egg through mature workers, drones and queens. Must work all aspects of commercial beekeeping. Access colony to determine if food or medicine is needed. Feeding and medicate bees for diseases and pests. Maintain hives in healthy state. Raise and replace queens. Make divides. Make, paint and clean boxes. Harvest/extract honey. Run queen breeding yard and produce queen bees. Manipulate and service hive structures. Haul bees to and from different hive locations. Ensure healthy and productive honeybee colonies. Harmonize bees with their natural cycle. Must have no fear of bees and be non-allergic to bee stings, pollen, honey or other products of the hive.

Work is done in the field for long periods of time. Workers may assist in handling product weighing up to 75 pounds and lifting to a height of 5 feet. Workers must work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Work required in fields when plants are wet with dew and rain, and may be required during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours can range from 10 to over 110 degrees F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Workers should be able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

Workers may not report for work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Except for moderate alcohol consumption in company housing during non-working hours, the possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for termination. Use, possession, transfer, offer, sale or manufacture of marijuana and/or controlled substances strictly prohibited. All work sites are alcohol and drug free work places. Employees must not report for work, enter the employers' property or perform service while under the influence of or having used alcohol, marijuana, illegal controlled substances, or any other substance that may in any way adversely affect their alertness, coordination, reaction or safety.

Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use.

Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers.

Workers may be required to work some night shifts, as needed, for short periods in summer and fall.

Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Work begins January 1, 2027 and ends November 1, 2027.

Pay is $19.75 per hour.

Housing is provided.

Typical schedule: about 40 hours per week.