Shepherd General - Sheep and Beef

  • Rotoma Station
  • Apr 19, 2025
Full time Drystock

Job Description

Rotoma Station is a busy operation (875 ha effective) located in the Raukawa district 20 minutes South West of Hastings. The farm has a range of contour from flat/easy rolling hills through to steep hill country. We winter around 11,000 SU, made up of 4500 breeding ewes and 450 cattle. Trading policies are very much seasonally dependent, we aim to finish as many of our progeny as the season allows. A large emphasis is placed on lambing and the weaning of spring lambs for the early Spring Trade.

The property is well fenced with great infrastructure and uses modern tools and well-maintained gear.

The role:

Due to our current shepherd moving to a bigger position a vacancy has become available. You will be working closely with the owner and the manager to complete a variety of tasks with a split of around 70:30 stock to general work, this mix changes through the seasons also. 

For this role you will need to have a strong level of stockmanship and a well-controlled team of working dogs. You will need to be able to work hard at certain times of the year, work autonomously and above all be honest, energetic, trustworthy and a team player. We are looking for a positive self-starter, someone who would like to pick up more responsibility and take ownership of their tasks. Good communication skills are essential for this role 

We are looking for a Shepherd who is highly motivated and would enjoy being part of the family owned and operated business.

The below are also key to success in this role: 

• 2+ years shepherding experience 

• Capable team of 2 working dogs

• Able to handle larger mobs of sheep and cattle. 

• Good level of stockmanship and animal health skills. 

• Be energetic, highly motivated & hard working and have good time management skills. 

• Strong attention to detail and tidiness. 

• Handpiece skills, basic fencing maintenance, tractor knowledge and general property upkeep and weed control. 

• Be physically fit. 

• Trustworthy and honest 

• Good open communication

• Be house and vehicle proud

  

Why choose this role?

• Be exposed to all facets of a farm business and have some input into stock management.

• The owners provide an excellent work culture and value their people and are prepared to assist in the right candidate’s development 

• Opportunity to work to scale with mustering and take ownership of your tasks. 

• A tidy and warm three-bedroom cottage available. Firewood is available on the farm, meat available and internet.

• Remuneration will reflect experience and fit for the role 

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