Beekeeper

Hive Management

• All hives must be inspected regularly for health, queen status, and productivity. Employees are responsible for monitoring varroa mite levels, disease, and swarm prevention.

• Pollination contracts require hives to be transported and placed according to client needs, with proper ventilation during moves.

• Bee yard reporting: Employees must submit daily reports on bee yard conditions via text messages or videos to the designated supervisor. Reports should include hive counts, weather impacts, forage availability, and any issues like pests or equipment needs. Use company-provided apps for secure sharing.

Equipment Use and Maintenance

• All equipment, including smokers, hive tools, extractors, forklifts, and trucks, must be inspected before use and maintained per manufacturer guidelines.

• Forklifts: Only certified operators may use forklifts. Safety protocols include wearing seatbelts, checking loads for stability, operating at safe speeds (under 5 mph in yards), and never lifting personnel. Annual training is required.

• Extracting honey on fast-rotating machinery: Employees must wear protective gear when operating extractors. Ensure machinery is balanced, never overload, and stop immediately if vibrations occur. Guards must be in place, and no loose clothing is allowed near rotating parts.

• Truck driving safety: Drivers must hold valid commercial licenses if required, conduct pre-trip inspections, adhere to speed limits, and use hands-free devices. No driving under fatigue; mandatory rest breaks on long hauls. Secure loads to prevent hive shifts.

Inventory Management

• Track inventory of hives, supers, frames, honey buckets, and supplies using digital logs. Conduct monthly audits to prevent shortages.

3. Employee Policies

Hiring and Training

• New hires undergo background checks and must complete beekeeping basics training within the first week. Ongoing training includes safety certifications and ND-specific beekeeping regulations.

Workplace Conduct

• Maintain a respectful environment free from harassment. Report issues confidentially to management.

Compensation and Benefits

• Wages are based on experience; overtime paid per ND labor laws. Benefits include health insurance and paid leave after 90 days.

• Time clock trust policies: Employees must accurately record hours using the company time clock system. Falsification of time records is grounds for termination. Trust is emphasized—self-reporting for remote work (e.g., bee yards) is allowed but verified via GPS or reports.

4. Health and Safety

Workplace Safety

• Follow OSHA standards adapted for agriculture. Hazards include stings, heavy lifting, and chemical exposure (e.g., treatments).

• Forklift, machinery, and driving safety as detailed in Operational Guidelines.

Emergency Procedures

• In case of stings or anaphylaxis, use on-site EpiPens and call 911. For fires or weather events, evacuate to designated safe areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Bee suits, gloves, veils, and boots are mandatory in bee yards. Respirators required for chemical applications.

5. Environmental and Sustainability Policies

Resource Management

• Conserve water in extraction processes and manage waste (e.g., wax recycling).

Compliance with Regulations

• Adhere to environmental laws on pesticide use and waste disposal.

Sustainability Practices

• Promote organic methods, rotate apiary sites to prevent over-foraging, and plant pollinator-friendly crops.

6. Animal Welfare

• Bee welfare is paramount. Maintain hive health through regular veterinary checks, provide adequate forage, and humanely manage swarms. Comply with ND guidelines on disease reporting and quarantine.

7. Quality Control and Food Safety

Production Standards

• Honey extraction must follow hygienic practices to prevent contamination. Test for purity

Requirements: 18 months of experience.