2IC – Sheep & Beef

Rere, Gisborne | An opportunity to develop your farm management skills

We’re looking for a capable, dependable person to join our 1,000ha hill country sheep and beef operation in the Rere district, 40km north-west of Gisborne.

Working alongside owner/manager and our station shepherd, you’ll play a key role in the daily running of the farm. This is a practical, hands-on position with responsibility, support and opportunities to develop your skills in farm planning, feed budgeting and livestock management.

If you’re an experienced shepherd ready to take the next step towards farm management, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

Our operation runs 3,900 ewes plus replacements, alongside a cattle operation that includes finishing stock and a 300-head Charolais and Simmental herd and replacements.

You’ll work closely with the owner to put farm plans into action, taking ownership of agreed areas of work and making day-to-day decisions within our established stock policies and management priorities. You’ll need to be comfortable working independently, as well as alongside others.

You’ll be included in farm strategy meetings and stock purchasing discussions, gaining insight into the decisions behind the operation. At times, you’ll take responsibility for keeping the farm’s day-to-day activities running smoothly.

Key responsibilities

·  Carry out sheep and cattle work, including stock movements, animal health treatments and monitoring livestock condition.

·  Contribute to feed budgeting and grazing plans, making agreed feed allocation decisions and responding to changing conditions.

·  Help deliver the farm’s animal health, breeding, mating and pasture management plans.

·  Work alongside our station shepherd, helping coordinate daily priorities, communicating agreed tasks and following up to ensure work is completed to the required standard.

·  Keep the owner informed of progress and any workload or performance concerns. The shepherd will continue to report directly to the farm owner.

·  Take day-to-day charge when the farm owner is off farm, coordinating staff, stock work and feed management within agreed plans.

·  Participate in docking, shearing, weaning and other seasonal activities.

·  Undertake fencing, maintenance and general farm duties.

·  Work with contractors and casual staff as required.

·  Maintain safe working practices and high standards of animal welfare.

About you

You’ll bring sound practical farming skills, good judgement and a willingness to keep learning. You’ll take pride in following through on agreed work and be comfortable taking direction from the owner/manager. The team here is very relaxed, so you will want to be someone who takes life in their stride.

We’re looking for someone who is:

·  Trustworthy, reliable and self-motivated.

·  An experienced stockperson with a good team of working dogs and a commitment to their wellbeing.

·  Organised and able to work without close supervision.

·  Approachable and able to give clear, respectful direction to others.

·  Receptive to feedback and willing to work within established farm policies.

·  Comfortable asking for guidance and raising concerns promptly when needed.

·  Keen to understand farm management and take on greater responsibility over time.

·  Enjoys work/life balance and keen to work hard in return for generosity in time off and working independently.

A relevant agricultural qualification or equivalent practical experience, along with a current full driver’s licence, is required.

What we offer

·  An attractive remuneration package.

·  A recently renovated family four-bedroom home, with power and Wi-Fi provided. Home includes a fenced swimming pool and grass tennis court area. 

·  Dog housing and an annual contribution towards veterinary bills.

·  Varied work with meaningful responsibility.

·  Opportunities to learn directly from the owner/manager and contribute to planning discussions.

·  Flexibility to support work/life balance around seasonal farming commitments.

Life in Rere

Our farm is approximately 30 minutes from Gisborne, offering country living within easy reach of town.

Rere School is just 3km away, catering for Years 0–8, with a roll of around 32 children and its own school bus service. School buses also service two Gisborne high schools.

We’re part of an active, welcoming rural community with social events and local learning opportunities. There’s a country golf club just 15 minutes away, and hunting is available on the farm.

Interested?

Please send your CV and a covering letter if you are interested to apply.