Beekeeper

Working with us

At Comvita, you will be part of a purpose-driven business with a proud legacy and a bold future. You will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of our people while working in a supportive, values-led environment.

We offer competitive remuneration, and benefits including:

• An opportunity to join a team who are passionate about doing business in a way where people and bees can thrive together in harmony.
• Birthday leave – a paid day off for your birthday every year
• Private health insurance – add your family members at a discounted rate
• Life and trauma insurances
• Frequent supply of Comvita products
• Increased KiwiSaver employer contribution of 4%
• Additional family benefits such as enhanced parental leave allowances
• This role is full-time, minimum 40 hours per week with opportunities for over-time
• Short-term incentive opportunities
• Professional Development including; Leadership Development, NZQA approved qualifications and progression pathways.

About the role;

We are are looking for an experienced Beekeeper to join our Whanganui Apiary Team. The position is for 40 hours per week, with overtime available, and travel across the region required during peak season. All travel costs are covered by Comvita, and include a working away from home allowance.

You will be involved in all aspects of commercial beekeeping, including:

• Securing Mānuka honey production
• Hive manipulation and management throughout the season
• Monitoring hive health and managing disease control
• Delivering hive productivity and quality targets
• Working collaboratively with other regional beekeeping teams
• Moving hives during seasonal shifts
• Supporting apiary apprentices in their learning journey

What we would like from you;

You will be passionate about bees and already have a solid background in beekeeping. To be considered for this role, you must have:

• At least 3-5 years of commercial beekeeping experience (in New Zealand or similar climate/conditions)
• A full NZ Class 1 driver’s licence essential
• Class 2 driver’s licence would be preferred but not essential
• The physical fitness to regularly lift and shift hive boxes
• Flexibility to travel and work long hours during peak season
• A strong commitment to health and safety practices
• Good communication skills and a collaborative working style

The following are advantageous but not essential:

• OSH forklift certification
• Beekeeping-related training or qualifications

Ready to apply?

If you think you would be a great fit for our team, submit your application here with your CV and cover letter. Note: We kindly ask that you submit a cover letter written in your own words, as we are already quite familiar with the tone and structure of AI-generated letters. After all, we are looking to hire a person, not AI, and getting a sense of who you are really matters to us. Give us something only a real human (like you!) could write.

**In applying for this job, you must be willing to undergo pre-employment drug screening and consent to ongoing random drug testing whilst in employment**

Comvita’s Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials.

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita.

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business.

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to well-being, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.