Occupation

152931 Apiarist

Latest release
OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
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Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

152931 Apiarist

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and operates apiaries to produce honey, queen bee pollen, beeswax and royal jelly, breed queen bees, and pollinate crops.

Alternative title

  • Beekeeper

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Plans and coordinates the breeding and raising of bees for apiary operations, including the production of honey and other bee products, packaging of bee products and the provision of pollination services
  • Harvests and processes honey and other bee products such as beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen from hives
  • Breeds queen bees and manages the process of queen bee rearing
  • Inspects and monitors hives for signs of disease, pests and other issues
  • Provides nutrition, medication and pest control to maintain the health of bee colonies and prevent the spread of pests and disease
  • Directs and oversees general apiary activities, including the provision and maintenance of apiary infrastructure, such as hives and supporting apparatus
  • Oversees the transportation of bee hives to provide pollination services for crops
  • Maintains and evaluates records of apiary activities, including hive inspections, honey production and breeding records
  • Manages apiary business capital, including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
  • May select, train and supervise staff or contractors in apiary operations