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Apiary Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Crew Manager is responsible for leading daily field operations within a commercial beekeeping ... Supervise and lead a crew of beekeepers in daily apiary operations * Plan, coordinate, and execute ...

Apiary Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apiary manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apiary Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of bee biology, hive management, and pest control, typically supported by experience in agriculture or apiculture and sometimes formal certification. Familiarity with hive management tools, beekeeping equipment, and agricultural record-keeping software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure healthy colonies, maximize honey production, and help address challenges such as disease and environmental changes.

What are some common challenges faced by apiary managers during peak honey production season?

During peak honey production season, Apiary Managers often face challenges such as managing hive overcrowding, preventing swarming, and controlling pests and diseases that can spread rapidly among dense colonies. Additionally, coordinating the timely extraction of honey and maintaining accurate records of hive health and yield can be demanding due to the increased workload. Effective planning, regular inspections, and clear communication with supporting staff are essential to ensure the success of the apiary and maintain healthy bee colonies.

What does an apiary manager do?

An Apiary Manager is responsible for overseeing the care and management of beehives, ensuring the health and productivity of bee colonies. Their tasks include monitoring hive conditions, controlling pests and diseases, supervising honey extraction, and maintaining hive equipment. Apiary Managers also manage bee breeding, monitor for environmental threats, and may supervise other workers. Their role is crucial for successful honey production and pollination services.
What are popular job titles related to Apiary Manager jobs in California? For Apiary Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Apiary Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Beekeeping Crew Manager (CA)

Beewise

Chowchilla, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

We’re hiring a Beekeeper Crew Manager to oversee our field operations teams in Chowchilla, CA. The Crew Manager is responsible for leading daily field operations within a commercial beekeeping operation. This role oversees a team of beekeepers; manages hive production activities; and ensures colony health and operational efficiency across a large number of hives. The Crew Manager plays a critical role in executing production goals, particularly hive splitting and seasonal colony management, while maintaining strong team performance and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise and lead a crew of beekeepers in daily apiary operations
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale hive splitting and colony growth activities
  • Oversee hive inspections, feeding, treatments, and overall colony health management
  • Monitor colony strength, productivity, and operational performance metrics
  • Create and manage crew schedules based on operational needs and seasonal demands
  • Review, approve, and submit employee timesheets accurately and on time
  • Train, mentor, and evaluate crew members to improve skill level and efficiency
  • Coordinate labor allocation and workflow to maximize productivity
  • Ensure proper implementation of mite and pest treatment protocols
  • Maintain accurate records for hive health, production, and labor tracking
  • Collaborate with operations and technical teams to support adoption of Beewise technologies and best practices
  • Enforce safety standards, biosecurity protocols, and company policies
  • Assist with hive movement, logistics, and equipment management as needed

In-office:
In person, Field
Benefits:

Why Join Beewise

  • Stock options
  • 100% paid medical, dental, vision (select plans)
  • 401k with match
  • Paid birthday off
  • Monthly phone stipend
  • Paid sick, vacation, holiday time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Beewise is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations as required by law. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.


Requirements:

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of commercial beekeeping experience required
  • Proven experience managing large-scale hive operations and splitting programs
  • Prior experience supervising or leading field crews required
  • Experience managing or supervising H-2A workers preferred
  • Strong knowledge of colony health, queen management, and pest/mite treatments
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
  • Ability to work long hours outdoors in hot, humid, and physically demanding conditions
  • Ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs regularly
  • Valid driver’s license required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing 2,000+ hive operations
  • Experience working with or adapting to ag-tech or data-driven systems
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills in agricultural field environments

Work Environment

  • Outdoor agricultural environment
  • Exposure to bees, weather extremes, dust, and uneven terrain
  • Physically demanding role, especially during peak production and splitting seasons
  • May require early mornings, weekends, or travel between sites