Experienced Shepherd General

Experienced Shepherd General – Ferniehurst Station, North Canterbury 

If you enjoy quality hill-country stock and dog work, and being part of a progressive farming business, we’d love to hear from you. Ferniehurst Station is a 1,800-hectare sheep and beef operation in North Canterbury, offering varied day to day work, genuine opportunities for growth and development, as well as an outstanding rural lifestyle.

Start date: Start of August, but can be flexible.

About the farm:

The station runs approximately 9,500 stock units, including:

·         4,500 breeding ewes

·         1,200 hogget replacements

·         190 breeding cows

·         50 heifer replacements

·         Approximately 150 trading cattle

The property includes 1,200 hectares of steep hill country with significant areas of native forest and scrub, 300 hectares of rolling hill country, and 300 hectares of flats.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out all aspects of stock work, including mustering, yard work, animal health treatments, weighing, drafting, recording and feeding out. 
• Work closely with the Farm Manager to help develop and implement stock management plans.
• Monitor stock performance, feed levels and farm conditions, identifying issues early and communicating effectively with the team.
• Operate and maintain farm vehicles, machinery and equipment safely and efficiently including tractors, quad bikes and chainsaws.
• Assist with general farm development and maintenance, including fencing, weed control and stock water systems.
• Use farm management software including Farm IQ and Halter.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and take increasing responsibility for stock management and decision making as skills and experience develop.

Main Requirements

•        A minimum of three years sheep and beef farming experience
•        A reliable team of at least three well controlled working dogs.
•        Strong work ethic – happy to work long hours during peak season.
•        Ability to work independently and contribute positively within a team.
•        A desire to be involved and contribute to the local rural community.
•        A current New Zealand driver’s licence.

What We Offer

• A warm, tidy three-bedroom house.
• A competitive remuneration package based on experience.
• Opportunities for professional development through Ag ITO and other industry training.
• Progression into stock management.
• Excellent hunting with red deer, fallow deer and pigs and access to trout fishing in the surrounding Conway river.
• Convenient location: 20 minutes from Cheviot, 45 minutes from Kaikōura, and 1 hour 45 minutes from Christchurch.

How to Apply

Please email a brief cover letter and CV, including 2 references and contact phone numbers, to ferniehurstmanager@gmail.com.

For enquiries, please contact Harry Wilding on 027 244 9736.

We look forward to hearing from you.