Job requires performing manual labor associated with the care and maintenance of honey bee colonies during the winter (overwintering) season. Duties include: prepare and mix supplemental feed (sugar syrup, fondant, and/or pollen substitute) and feed bee colonies as directed, including filling and maintaining feeding boxes and feeders; construct, assemble, repair, and paint beehive boxes, feeding boxes, hive stands, frames, and related woodenware; install foundation and replace lost or damaged beeswax comb and foundation in frames; repair and/or replace damaged hive parts and components; install entrance blocks/reducers and mouse guards; install, remove, and stage queen excluders and honey supers in preparation for the spring nectar flow; build windbreaks and take other measures to protect hives from winter weather, including adjusting hive ventilation and moisture control; inspect colonies on days when weather permits to monitor food stores, colony strength, queen status, disease, and parasites; apply approved pest and parasite treatments as directed by the employer; control wood lice, termites, wax moths, small hive beetles, and other pests affecting hives and stored equipment; take measures to deter and exclude predators and vermin (including rodents, skunks, raccoons, and birds), including maintaining fencing and traps; remove dead colonies; clean, scrape, sterilize, and store hive equipment; maintain apiary grounds, including clearing vegetation and debris from around hives; load and unload equipment and supplies; drive to town to pick up bee supplies and materials; keep simple written records of colony status and feeding; and perform general maintenance and cleanup duties incidental to the beekeeping operation. There are few typical days and workers may be required to change duties and/or locations often and engage in various general functions. Daily duties may vary depending on crop, weather, and field conditions. The employer reserves the right to increase workers' pay or provide bonuses based on tenure, performance, or other factors that are solely based on the discretion of the employer.
Employment period: Nov 30, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
