Head Shepherd - Waitere Farm

Overview As head shepherd at Waitere Farm, you’ll have a key role in how the farm runs day to day. You’ll help plan stock rotations, workload, contractors and make sure everything is done safely and well. The role provides variety – from mustering and animal health work to pasture decisions, managing contractors or farm records, requiring practical skills and judgment. You’ll work directly with the Farm Manager to grow your capability and share knowledge, build confidence in your leadership style and pasture management. Responsibilities Plan and execute stock rotations and daily work schedules. Co‑ordinate workload, contractors, and ensure safety and quality of work. Assist with pasture management decisions and farm record keeping. Oversee animal health tasks and mustering operations. Maintain clear, respectful communication across the team. Support leadership training and apply new technologies to improve safety and efficiency. Qualifications Experience working with sheep and cattle in a commercial farming environment. Confidence in animal health work, stock handling, and mustering. Ability to manage a team of working dogs (ideally 4–8). Organise daily work and adjust plans when needed. A strong focus on health, safety and animal welfare. Comfort with farm records and technology, or are confident in learning quickly. Clear, respectful communication and a team‑first approach. Restricted or full driver licence. Unrestricted legal right to work in New Zealand. Available for in‑person interview and required to pass a drug and alcohol test and a criminal background check. Benefits Competitive salary, health and life insurance. Enhanced parental leave, up to 4% KiwiSaver matching, an additional day of leave over Christmas. Ongoing training and development opportunities. A comfortable tidy three‑bedroom home provided. Access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and long‑term success. Living locally with a rural lifestyle and access to local services. #J-18808-Ljbffr