Farm Manager / Senior Shepherd (Step-Up Opportunity) – South Canterbury

Levels Estate is a progressive, family-owned farming business seeking a motivated individual to take responsibility for our well-developed 260ha irrigated property, comprising rolling and flat country, just minutes from Timaru.

This is a livestock focused hands-on role suited to either an experienced manager or a capable shepherd ready to step up, with support and mentoring available.

Typical Farm Programme

• Finishing ~300 bulls
• Grazing ~150 dairy heifers
• Finishing 8,000–10,000 lambs
• 30–40ha arable cropping (barley and maize)

The Opportunity

You’ll have day-to-day responsibility for running a well-resourced farming system, working closely with the owners to drive performance and continual improvement.

For the right person, this role offers genuine scope to grow capability, build management and experience.

You’ll be working in a supportive environment where initiative and practical thinking are valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage livestock finishing, trading and dairy support systems
• Feed budgeting and pasture management to optimise performance
• Maintain accurate electronic farm, livestock and cropping records
• Supervise casual staff to assist with irrigation management & ag work.
• Coordinate contractors (ag-work, fertiliser, silage, shearing, harvesting)
• Maintain farm infrastructure and equipment to a high standard
• Work alongside owners to review and refine farm policies and performance

About You

We’re looking for someone who is reliable, practical and keen to take ownership:

• Positive, proactive attitude with good attention to detail
• Strong stockmanship and animal health skills
• Sound pasture and feed management capability
• Good communication and record-keeping skills
• 3+ years’ relevant farming experience
• Able to work independently and lead others when required
• 2 capable working dogs preferred
• Willingness to learn and contribute ideas
• Strong commitment to health and safety
• Full NZ driver licence

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration package (aligned to experience)
• Well-presented warm, sunny three-bedroom farm cottage
• Supportive, practical farm owners
• Variety across livestock and cropping systems
• A great location – close to Timaru, excellent schools, strong rural community, and easy access to lakes and ski fields

Start Date       Early July 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)

If you are ready to take the next step in your farming career, we’d like to hear from you.

📩 Give Nicky (0274 744 149) or Jonty (0275 956 450) a call if you want to discuss further or apply with CV + references: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/agriculture-fishing-forestry/farming/canterbury/timaru/full-time/listing/5935945981 Applications close 10th June 2026