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Bee Farming Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Bee Farming information

What is bee farming?

Bee farming, also known as apiculture, is the practice of maintaining bee colonies, typically in man-made hives, to produce honey, beeswax, and other products. Bee farmers, or beekeepers, care for bees by providing suitable habitats, monitoring their health, and managing hives for optimal productivity. This practice not only supports the production of honey and related products but also plays a vital role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity. Bee farming can range from small-scale backyard operations to large commercial enterprises.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a bee farmer?

Bee farmers typically start their day by inspecting hives for signs of disease, pests, or queen health, and ensuring bees have sufficient food and water. Tasks vary by season: spring and summer focus on hive expansion, honey production, and swarm prevention, while fall and winter involve preparing colonies for colder weather and monitoring hive health. The workload increases during the honey harvest season and decreases in winter, allowing time for equipment maintenance and planning. Bee farmers often work independently but collaborate with agricultural extension agents, local beekeeping associations, and sometimes farmworkers during busy periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bee farmer?

To thrive as a Bee Farmer, you need foundational knowledge of beekeeping, hive management, and basic entomology, often gained through courses or hands-on apprenticeships. Familiarity with beekeeping equipment, hive monitoring systems, and pest management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong problem-solving skills help bee farmers respond effectively to environmental and hive challenges. These skills and qualities are essential to maintain healthy bee colonies, ensure honey production, and support pollination services vital to agriculture.

What is the difference between Bee Farming vs Beekeeper?

AspectBee FarmingBeekeeper
CredentialsBasic knowledge of bee care, certifications optionalSimilar, often requires beekeeping certifications
Work EnvironmentApiaries, outdoor settingsApiaries, honey production facilities
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in industry, focusing on honey and hive managementCommonly used term for professionals managing bee colonies

Bee Farming and Beekeeper are closely related roles involving hive management and honey production. Bee Farming emphasizes the agricultural aspect, often focusing on large-scale hive management, while Beekeeper is a broader term for individuals caring for bees, whether for honey, pollination, or research. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, and the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Can you get paid to raise bees?

Bee farming is a profession where individuals can earn income by producing honey, beeswax, and other hive products for sale. Beekeepers often sell their products directly to consumers, at markets, or to distributors, and may also offer pollination services for crops. Success depends on knowledge of bee management, equipment, and market demand.

How do you get a job as a bee farmer?

To become a bee farmer, gain knowledge of beekeeping through courses or apprenticeships, and acquire basic equipment such as hives and protective gear. Practical experience and understanding of bee health, honey harvesting, and environmental conditions are essential for starting a career in bee farming.

How much money does a bee farmer make?

Bee farmers, or apiarists, typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, scale of operation, and location. Successful commercial beekeepers with large honey production or pollination contracts can earn higher incomes, especially if they diversify products like beeswax or royal jelly. Income also depends on skills in hive management and market demand.

Is there a demand for bee farmers?

Bee farming is a growing industry due to increased interest in pollination services and honey production. The demand for bee farmers is steady, especially as awareness of environmental issues and the importance of bees in agriculture increases, making it a viable career for those with knowledge of beekeeping and hive management.

What are popular job titles related to Bee Farming jobs in Minnesota?

For Bee Farming jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bee Farming jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Bee Farming jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Bee Farming jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Bee Farming job openings:

Bee Farming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bee Farming job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Shepard Farm Manager

DODGE NATURE CENTER

Cottage Grove, MN • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage and implement farm operations at Shepard Farm, including care of animals, crops, orchard, beekeeping, sugarbush, livestock, and garden programs.

  • Coordinate maintenance and repair of farm structures, equipment, and vehicles, and perform landscape maintenance and plowing across the property.

  • Supervise personnel working at Shepard Farm and facilitate agricultural education programs as needed.

Job description

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education across its 460+ acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and outdoor education experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, outreach, public programs, events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool ).

The Shepard Farm Manager is responsible for the management and implementation of farm operations at Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove. This role includes management of property, crops, orchard, beekeeping, sugarbush, livestock, and garden programs. Responsibilities also include working as part of the farm department team, training and working with interns and volunteers, and some agriculture and environmental education teaching.

This role is based out of Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm property in West St. Paul and is expected to be in person five days a week.

Dodge offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include health and dental insurance options, retirement plan contributions, and paid time off.

Job Functions and Key ResponsibilitiesCare and Management of Farm Animals – 35%
  • Responsible for the care and maintenance of farm animals. This includes purchasing, feeding, cleaning, and basic vet care.
Facilities, Vehicles, Grounds Maintenance, Equipment Care and Repair – 30%
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair of farm structures, equipment, and vehicles in partnership with Farm Director.
  • When appropriate, personally perform maintenance, building repairs, and cleaning.
  • Perform landscape maintenance and plowing cross the property.
Agricultural Crop Management – 25%
  • Plant and manage crops.
  • Manage, maintain, and care for gardens, including the community garden.
Managing and/or Teaching Agricultural Programming – 5%
  • Apiary: maintain and manage bee colonies, equipment, and supplies.
  • Facilitate agriculture education programs as needed.
Personnel & Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
  • Supervise personnel assigned to work at Shepard Farm.
  • Work with farm team to complete operations needed for farm programming.
  • Work in partnership with Buildings & Grounds team as needed.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
  • Educational Background
    Degree in agriculture, biology, education, environmental studies, horticulture, or other field related to the primary functions of the position or minimum 3 years of related experience.
  • Ability and willingness to perform manual tasks related to farming operations and maintenance activities.
  • Ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
  • Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools.
  • Some evenings and weekends will be required.
  • Physical Requirements
    Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including bending, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside in inclement weather.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge and/or experience in sustainable farming practices and animal care.
  • Understanding of ecosystems, natural history, and an educational setting.
  • Ability and motivation to study reference materials and incorporate that information into operations.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.

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