What are the responsibilities and job description for the Beekeeping Crew Manager position at Beewise?
We’re hiring two Beekeeper Crew Managers 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