Minister of Apiculture- Raleigh, N.C

Company Overview

At Buddha Bee Apiary, we’re on a mission to help people fall in love with pollinators—starting with honeybees. Through our Host-a-Hive program, we install and maintain beehives in backyards across North Carolina. We believe that hands-on experiences with beekeeping can inspire change and create more advocates for pollinators. Our beekeepers are passionate about keeping bees healthy and educating others.

Position Description

We’re growing—and that growth means we’re looking for a Lead Beekeeper to help guide the next chapter of our work.

This is a full-time position that plays a central role in the day-to-day health and direction of our colonies. As Lead Beekeeper, you’ll oversee all aspects of colony management—from making splits, feeding, and treatments to honey extraction and equipment preparation—while setting the standard for how our bees are cared for across the operation.

You’ll take primary responsibility for managing approximately 150+ colonies across the Triangle, maintaining clear, consistent inspection notes, and making informed, seasonally appropriate management decisions. This role is ideal for someone ready to deepen their expertise while helping shape how regenerative beekeeping practices are implemented at scale.

Leadership is a core part of this position. You’ll mentor and support other beekeepers on the team, provide guidance in the field, and help ensure consistency, safety, and best practices across all sites. While collaboration is key, this role requires confidence, initiative, and sound judgment in the hive and beyond.

Just as importantly, this role is about people. Many of our host partners participate in monthly inspections, often suiting up and joining us in the hive. As Lead Beekeeper, you’ll help foster meaningful connections with our hosts—teaching, answering questions, and creating hands-on experiences that are safe, educational, and genuinely exciting. Community engagement, curiosity, and approachability are essential to our mission.

If you’re experienced in beekeeping, energized by mentorship and leadership, and inspired by work that blends ecology, education, and community, this role offers a chance to lead with purpose and make a tangible impact.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead day-to-day beekeeping operations across Raleigh and the Triangle

  • Oversee and manage a portfolio of ~150+ colonies

  • Set standards for hive health, inspections, treatments, and seasonal planning

  • Review and ensure quality, consistency, and completeness of hive data

  • Guide and support a small team of beekeepers in the field

  • Take point on complex hive issues (queen failures, aggressive colonies, swarms)

  • Act as a primary contact for hosts during inspections and special situations

  • Help plan and lead workshops, educational visits, and public-facing events

  • Collaborate with ownership on planning, routing, and operational improvements

What we offer:

  • Pay: 50K-60K annual, depending on experience

  • Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance

  • 401K Match (after 1 year)

  • 10 PTO Days and 3 Holidays Paid

  • Company vehicle provided for routes

  • Company debit card for approved purchases

  • All protective gear, tools, and continuing education provided

  • Share in honey harvests and company events

  • Real leadership growth as we expand into new cities

  • High-autonomy, purpose-driven role with room to shape how we operate

  • Yearly training, conferences, and advanced beekeeping education opportunities

What were looking for:

  • Strong beekeeping experience with proven colony management skills

  • Confidence making independent, field-based decisions

  • Experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating others

  • Excellent organization, communication, and follow-through

  • Comfort handling host questions, education, and on-site experiences

  • Valid NC driver’s license and clean driving record

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work safely in variable outdoor conditions

Nice to have’s:

  • Experience managing operations, routes, or small teams

  • Background in education, sustainability, or community programs

  • Comfort using systems like Google Sheets, Notion, or inspection software

How to apply:

  • Send your resume and short cover letter to justin@buddhabeeapiary.com

  • Qualified applicants will be invited to a short phone or video interview, followed by a field day visit.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Buddha Bee Apiary is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse teams strengthen communities and ecosystems. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.