Vancouver Honey Ltd is a large-scale commercial beekeeping operation seeking an experienced and highly organized Apiary Manager to oversee our production and pollination services. You will be responsible for the health, productivity, and logistics of 7,000 bee colonies while directing a seasonal and permanent crew of 20 apiary workers.
Because our operations span multiple geographic regions for honey production and crop pollination, this role requires extensive travel to remote and rural locations throughout British Columbia and Alberta.
Key Responsibilities
Hive Management: Direct the overall management of 7,000 colonies, ensuring optimal hive health, nutrition, and queen viability.
Team Leadership: Hire, train, schedule, and supervise a team of 20 employees, including apiary technicians, seasonal harvest workers, and transport drivers. Ensure all occupational health and safety protocols are followed.
Logistics & Transportation: Coordinate the complex logistics of moving thousands of hives between overwintering facilities, spring pollination sites in BC, and summer honey production yards in Alberta.
Disease & Pest Control: Implement and monitor comprehensive pest and disease management programs (e.g., Varroa mites, American Foulbrood) in compliance with provincial agricultural regulations.
Production Oversight: Manage the honey extraction process, ensuring quality control, proper barrel storage, and facility sanitation.
Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of hive movements, treatments, production yields, and employee hours.
Equipment & Fleet: Oversee the maintenance of apiary equipment, extraction machinery, and the transport fleet.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of proven experience managing a commercial apiary operation.
Team Management: Demonstrated experience leading and organizing large crews (15+ employees) in an agricultural setting.
Travel: Willingness and ability to travel extensively to remote locations across BC and Alberta. Must be comfortable with overnight stays in rural camps or accommodations during peak season.
Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with a clean abstract. (Class 1 or 3 license for operating heavy transport vehicles is a strong asset).
Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of commercial bee biology, seasonal management techniques, and large-scale extraction operations.
Allergies: Must not have a known allergy to bee stings.
Work Conditions & Physical Capabilities
Fast-paced environment during peak spring and summer seasons, requiring long hours, early mornings, and weekend work.
Physically demanding work, including the ability to regularly lift and carry heavy honey supers (50+ lbs).
Working outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.) and in remote environments.
Compensation & Benefits
Wage: $ 34 per hour
Hours: Minimum 40 hours per week (Overtime required during peak season)
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your commercial beekeeping experience to vancouverhoney@gmail.com .
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.