Experienced Beekeeper – Contract Position (Year-Round)
Location: Yamhill Valley, Oregon
Compensation: $56,000/year ($27/hr)
Hours: 30-40 hours per week
Oregon Beekeeper is seeking an experienced beekeeper to manage and service 100 hives across the Yamhill Valley area. Our business partners with wineries and farm-estate clients who share our passion for pollination and sustainable, biodiverse farming practices. We provide white-glove beekeeping services, educating enthusiasts and consulting on pollinator integration, honey production, and apiary expansion.
This position offers flexibility in scheduling as long as service appointments are met reliably. Our labor-consulting model allows you to showcase your expertise in hive management while engaging directly with clients.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintain healthy bee colonies for pollination and honey production
Monitor hive health and proactively address pest and disease concerns (e.g., Varroa mites, foulbrood)
Manage seasonal hive needs, including feeding, splitting, and winter preparation
Harvest honey and manage honey extraction processes
Ensure proper hive placement and yard management
Walk grounds with new clients to assess and recommend optimal apiary locations
Assist in setting up new apiaries, including hive installation and initial management
Document and maintain hive health records, treatment schedules, and production data
Provide detailed reports on apiary activities to clients and company leadership
Train and mentor additional beekeepers as needed
Communicate professionally with clients regarding hive status, service schedules, and pollinator best practices
Maintain and clean beekeeping equipment following industry safety standards
Keep accurate records of colonies, mileage, and purchases
Adhere to all company safety policies and best practices for beekeeping operations
Qualifications & Requirements:
Minimum 2 years of hands-on beekeeping experience (commercial or large-scale preferred)
Strong understanding of hive management, pest control, and honeybee health
Ability to work independently and manage a schedule with minimal supervision
Comfortable communicating with clients in a professional and educational manner
Physically capable of lifting up to 75 lbs and working in outdoor environments in varying weather conditions
Valid Oregon Driver’s License with a clean driving record
Experience with hive recordkeeping and basic reporting
Passion for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and pollinator conservation
Additional Perks:
Company vehicle provided for work-related travel
Opportunity to work with a passionate, sustainability-driven team
Flexibility in setting your routine, provided service commitments are met
https://www.oregonbeekeeper.com