Posted by Northumberland Honey Company is recruiting an experienced Seasonal Beekeeper for its 2027 commercial beekeeping operation in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England, United Kingdom.
This full-time, fixed-term opportunity runs from 1 April to 30 September 2027 and offers a seasonal salary between £14,560 and £22,500 for the six-month contract, depending on experience and responsibilities.
The successful candidate will participate in commercial honey production, colony management, queen rearing and harvesting activities. The company is particularly interested in applicants with practical queen-rearing experience and the ability to contribute to its expanding bee-farming operation.
There may also be an opportunity for permanent employment after the seasonal contract, depending on individual performance, mutual agreement and the future needs of the business.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Experienced Seasonal Beekeeper
- Company: Northumberland Honey Company
- Location: Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England, UK
- Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Seasonal Contract
- Contract Duration: 1 April–30 September 2027
- Salary: £14,560–£22,500 for six months
- Working Hours: 40 paid hours per week
- Experience: Significant commercial or large-scale beekeeping experience
- Essential Skill: Queen-rearing experience
- Work Arrangement: In person
- Potential Progression: Possible permanent employment after the seasonal contract
About the Employer
Northumberland Honey Company is a family-run commercial bee-farming business based in Haltwhistle, Northumberland.
The company produces British honey, raises locally adapted queen bees and develops its Hutch Family Honey brand.
Its operation currently manages approximately 400 bee colonies, with plans to expand towards 500 production colonies and increase its annual honey production to between 20 and 30 tonnes.
The business is looking for an experienced beekeeper who can contribute to its production activities and future development.
Job Description
The Seasonal Beekeeper will support the company’s commercial bee-farming activities throughout the 2027 season.
This is a position involving practical responsibilities across apiary management, honey production, colony health and queen rearing. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, manage assigned responsibilities and contribute to the wider operation.
Queen-rearing experience is essential. Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, there may be an opportunity to take a leading role in the company’s queen-rearing unit.
The employer is also open to candidates who prefer to focus more heavily on commercial honey production, colony management and harvesting.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in commercial beekeeping and colony management activities.
- Support queen-rearing operations and breeding programmes.
- Carry out queen grafting and queen-cell management.
- Manage mating nucleus colonies.
- Monitor colony health and identify bee diseases.
- Maintain appropriate biosecurity practices.
- Participate in honey harvesting and extraction.
- Support the management of apiaries and production facilities.
- Work across different areas of the commercial bee-farming operation.
- Manage assigned responsibilities independently.
- Contribute to improvements in the company’s honey production and breeding activities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates interested in this seasonal beekeeper opportunity should demonstrate:
- Significant practical experience in commercial or large-scale beekeeping.
- Demonstrable queen-rearing experience.
- Knowledge of queen grafting, queen-cell management and mating nucleus colonies.
- Strong understanding of colony management.
- Knowledge of bee health, disease recognition and biosecurity.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for assigned duties.
- Good organisation and workload management skills.
- Willingness to contribute to different areas of commercial beekeeping.
- A full driving licence.
- Willingness to travel between apiaries.
- Ability to work effectively within a small team.
- A positive and adaptable approach to seasonal work.
Queen-rearing experience is an essential requirement for this position.
Salary and Benefits
The company offers a seasonal salary of £14,560 to £22,500 for the six-month contract, depending on experience and responsibilities.
Other employment benefits and opportunities include:
- Full-time employment for the 2027 season.
- 40 paid working hours per week.
- Statutory paid holiday entitlement.
- Opportunity to work within an established and expanding commercial bee farm.
- Potential responsibility for the queen-rearing unit.
- Direct collaboration with experienced bee farmers.
- Opportunity to contribute to the company’s honey production and breeding programmes.
The employer also indicates that permanent employment may be possible after the seasonal contract for a suitable candidate.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for experienced commercial beekeepers with strong practical knowledge of colony management, queen production and honey harvesting.
Candidates who have previously worked with large-scale bee colonies and can independently manage apiary responsibilities may be well suited to the role.
Applicants should also be comfortable working across different apiaries and contributing to the company’s seasonal production activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Seasonal Beekeeper job located?
The position is based at Haltwhistle Industrial Estate, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England, UK.
2. What is the salary for the Beekeeper position?
The advertised seasonal salary is between £14,560 and £22,500 for the six-month contract.
3. When does the seasonal contract begin?
The contract begins on 1 April 2027 and ends on 30 September 2027.
4. How many hours will the beekeeper work?
The position provides 40 paid working hours per week.
5. Is queen-rearing experience required?
Yes. Practical queen-rearing experience, including grafting, queen-cell management and mating nucs, is essential.
6. Is permanent employment available?
The company indicates that there may be an opportunity for permanent employment after the 2027 season, depending on performance, mutual agreement and business requirements.
7. Is a driving licence required?
Yes. Applicants must have a full driving licence and be willing to travel between apiaries.
8. What type of experience is preferred?
The employer is looking for candidates with significant experience in commercial or large-scale beekeeping.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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