Job Description
Junior / Intermediate Shepherd — Rangiatea Farm
Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury
Rangiatea Farm is seeking a motivated Junior to Intermediate Shepherd to join our team in Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to grow their skills and build a long-term career within a progressive sheep and beef farming business.
This role offers genuine hands-on learning across a wide range of sheep and beef operations, with increasing responsibility available over time for the right person.
About Rangiatea Farm
Rangiatea Farm is an 1100-hectare hill country and developed flats property running approximately 10,000 stock units.
Our operation includes:
A commercial Perendale flock
Several sheep studs, including:
Perendale
Cheviot
Beltex
Angus cattle breeding and finishing
All stock finished on farm and with a long-term grazing partnership in Ashburton, alongside additional cattle purchased for winter fattening
You will work alongside an experienced team, including the owner and two team members in their 30s. With the owner now looking to ease back from day-to-day workloads, this position plays an important role in supporting farm operations and maintaining high standards of stock work.
The Opportunity
This role provides exposure to all aspects of sheep and beef farming, including:
Stock work across hill and flat country
Stud and commercial sheep operations
Pasture management and feed planning
Stock rotations and grazing management
Animal selection and breeding decisions
Dog work and livestock handling
Seasonal farm operations
Over time, the successful applicant will have opportunities to take on responsibility and develop within a progressive and forward-thinking farming business.
What We’re Looking For
We value attitude and willingness to learn just as highly as experience. The ideal applicant will bring:
Clear, respectful communication with managers and teammates
A positive, honest, and reliable work ethic
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Genuine interest in good stockmanship and best practice farming
Willingness to contribute ideas and help improve systems
2–3 working dogs minimum, as the role involves significant stock work
This position is open to applicants with junior to intermediate experience who are motivated to grow their skills and career.
What We Offer
Modern single accommodation provided on farm
Competitive remuneration based on experience
Meat included
On-farm and off-farm training opportunities
Support for development, upskilling, and career progression
Location & Lifestyle
Rangiatea Farm is located:
10 minutes from Mt Somers
30 minutes from Ashburton
1.5 hours from Christchurch
The area offers excellent lifestyle opportunities, including:
Nearby ski fields
Hunting and fishing access
An active Young Farmers network in Mt Somers
A strong rural community environment
Active local rugby/netball teams in Mt Somers
Apply Now
If you’re keen to develop your shepherding skills, work with quality stock, and be part of a supportive and progressive farming business, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and references.
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