Beekeeper

About UsGwenyn Gruffydd is a family-run honey farm and beekeeping business based in West Wales, managing over 450 honey bee colonies across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. We produce award-winning Welsh honey, honey bee colonies , handmade beeswax products and supply beekeeping equipment throughout the UK.We are passionate about sustainable beekeeping, producing high-quality honey, Nucleus colonies and supporting the wider beekeeping community. As a growing business, every member of our team plays an important role across multiple areas of the operation.OverviewWe are seeking a Beekeeper to join our team. This position would suit either an experienced beekeeper or an enthusiastic individual willing to learn and be trained by Gruffydd and our team.As a Gwenyn Gruffydd Beekeeper, you will be involved in all aspects of commercial beekeeping and honey production throughout the year, with a strong focus on rearing Nucleus colonies for sale. Due to the size of our team, this is a varied and hands-on role requiring flexibility, initiative and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.You will be responsible for the care and management of honey bee colonies across multiple apiary sites throughout Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, ensuring colony health, productivity and welfare. In addition to hive management, you will play a key role in honey extraction, processing, packing, nucleus colony production, quality assurance and general business operations.This role requires someone who enjoys working outdoors, can work independently, and is comfortable adapting to the seasonal demands of commercial beekeeping and food production.Key ResponsibilitiesBeekeeping DutiesInspect and manage honey bee colonies throughout the season.Assess colony health, brood patterns, queen performance and honey stores.Monitor and manage swarming, queen replacement and colony development.Carry out disease and pest monitoring and treatments where required.Feed colonies when necessary and prepare colonies for winter.Produce nucleus colonies (nucs) and assist with colony expansion programmes.Maintain apiaries and ensure equipment is kept in good working order.Travel regularly between apiary sitesSafely transport equipment and colonies when required.Keep detailed records of inspections, apiary visits, colony movements and honey harvesting activities.Honey ProductionHarvest honey from colonies, maintaining accurate hive and production records.Operate honey extraction, filtration and processing equipment safely and efficiently.Process, handle and store honey in accordance with food safety legislation and company procedures.Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, hygiene and housekeeping throughout all honey processing areas.Honey jarring, labelling, packing and pallet preparation.Carry out quality control checks and maintain product traceability throughout the production process.Complete all production records accurately, including extraction records, batch records, stock movements and traceability documentation.Monitor and maintain food hygiene standards in line with HACCP principles and industry best practice.Ensure all equipment is cleaned, maintained and prepared to the highest standards.Support continuous improvement of production systems and quality procedures.Autumn & Winter DutiesUnlike many beekeeping roles, this position remains active throughout the autumn and winter months and includes:Honey extraction and processing.Honey jarring, packing and dispatch preparation.Equipment cleaning and maintenance.Hive repairs and winter preparation.Frame assembly and wiring.Wax processing and candle-making support where required.Stock management and warehouse duties as requiredPreparation of colonies and equipment for the following season.Customer support in shop when requiredPick and pack orders when requiredBusiness SupportRepresent Gwenyn Gruffydd professionally at shows, trade events, open days and promotional activities when required. (Some overnight stays may be required)Support other areas of the business as needed.Support creating content for our social media and YouTube channelSkills & ExperienceEssentialPassion for beekeeping and working outdoors.Previous hands-on experience with honey bees and confidence carrying out colony inspections independently is highly desirableExcellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.Understanding of the importance of traceability, food safety and quality assurance within food production.Ability to follow documented procedures and maintain accurate production records.Good practical and problem-solving skills, energetic and enthusiastic to learnAbility to work independently and as part of a team.Physically fit and capable of lifting 20–30kg comfortably, including heavy honey supers and equipment.Full UK Driving Licence.Willingness to travel regularly between apiary sites.Right to work in the UK.Positive attitude, self-motivation and willingness to learn.Pride in producing premium Welsh honey and bee colonies to the highest possible standard.No medical requirements that would prevent you from fulfilling the role; no known allergy to bee or wasp stings.Take an active role and feature on our social media accounts and YouTube channelWillingness to work in the rain all day ( This is Wales after all!)DesirableKnowledge of honey bee biology and colony management.Being able to identify bee diseaseExperience operating honey extraction and processing equipment.Experience producing nucs and managing queen cells.Carpentry Skills an advantageExperience driving with a trailer.Forklift certification.Food Hygiene Certificate.Agricultural, farming, horticultural or livestock experience.Experience using machinery, hand tools or workshop equipment.Experience using grass and hedge cutting tools.Training and support will be provided, but applicants must have some existing beekeeping experience and confidence working with honey bee colonies.Working HoursFull-time position.Standard working hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.During peak beekeeping periods, flexibility is essential.Overtime, early starts, late finishes, occasional weekend work and some unsociable hours may be required, particularly when moving colonies, harvesting honey or taking advantage of favourable weather conditions.Time off will be managed around the seasonal nature of the role.SalarySalary to be discussed based on experience and qualifications. £26,000-£30,500Initial 6-month probationary periodBenefits28 days annual leave.Employee discount on Gwenyn Gruffydd products.How to ApplyPlease send your CV together with a covering letter outlining your beekeeping experience, interest in the role and why you would like to join the Gwenyn Gruffydd team to ***email_hidden*** . Your most welcome to ring Gruff on 0777 211 8786 for an informal chat initially.Closing Date: Monday 19th June 2026(Interviews between 22nd and 26th June 2026)Start Date: As soon as possible