Package Bees
Package bees are a starter kit for beekeeping, consisting of a group of live honey bees (typically 2-3 pounds) with a queen bee, that are sold and shipped to beekeepers to start new colonies. They're like the "starter pack" of beekeeping - when someone wants to begin keeping bees or expand their existing operation, they often buy package bees. This is different from buying an established hive or capturing wild bees. It's a common term you'll see in beekeeping job descriptions, especially for commercial operations or teaching positions.
Examples in Resumes
Managed shipping and installation of 500 Package Bees annually for commercial operation
Trained new beekeepers in proper installation and care of Package Bees
Coordinated delivery schedules for Package Bees across 5 state territory
Typical job title: "Beekeepers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Beekeepers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage large-scale package bee operations and what factors do you consider when timing shipments?
Expected Answer: A senior beekeeper should discuss weather considerations, shipping logistics, staff coordination, and how to handle various shipping sizes from small orders to commercial-scale operations. They should also mention queen bee viability and feeding requirements.
Q: What methods do you use to reduce package bee losses during shipping and installation?
Expected Answer: They should explain temperature control during transit, proper feeding techniques, timing considerations for installation, and how to handle common problems that arise during shipping and installation processes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key steps in installing package bees into a new hive?
Expected Answer: Should describe the complete installation process including hive preparation, queen introduction, feeding requirements, and monitoring procedures for the first few weeks.
Q: How do you evaluate the quality of a package of bees before accepting delivery?
Expected Answer: Should explain signs of healthy bees, acceptable mortality rates during shipping, queen condition assessment, and proper documentation requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the standard composition of a package of bees?
Expected Answer: Should know that a typical package contains 2-3 pounds of worker bees, a caged queen bee, and a feeding source for transit.
Q: What basic equipment is needed to install package bees?
Expected Answer: Should list essential tools like protective gear, hive tool, sugar syrup, spray bottle, and prepared hive components.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic bee handling
- Package installation
- Hive maintenance
- Basic feeding practices
Mid (2-5 years)
- Queen assessment
- Problem diagnosis
- Colony management
- Shipping coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale operations management
- Staff training and supervision
- Quality control systems
- Commercial logistics planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with live bees
- Lack of understanding about basic bee biology
- No knowledge of shipping regulations for live insects
- Unable to explain proper feeding and care procedures
