Weeping Hill Farm is looking for a head shepherd to operate in a sole charge capacity with the day to day running of their 600 hectare effective breeding and finishing property on the outskirts of Waiouru.

We are looking for a self-motivated, competent person who:

• Has at least 3-4 years of farming experience with good stock sense, high animal welfare standards and sound pasture management skills

• 4-5 working dogs under good command

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)

• Comfortable to work alone or as part of the team

• Has experience driving tractors and other farm machinery (HT license is beneficial but not essential)

• Fencing skills

The role involves a range of different tasks such as stock work, (mustering, yard work, both cattle and sheep), tractor work (helping with grain harvest and other cropping), fencing and R + M.

Weeping Hill owns a 700 ha effective property near Ohakune where the successful applicant will assist with during the busy times of the year; particularly with the mustering. You will be overseen and supported by the farm manager who is based at the Ohakune property. This position is a great stepping stone to management as the shepherd is the only permanent staff member at the Waiouru block; further training and development is supported by the farm owners.

13,000 SU are run across both properties with the Waiouru Farm consisting of 3,500 breeding ewes (progeny are finished), up to 2,200 unmated hoggets and approximately 200 predominantly younger cattle. Brassica crops are grown for winter feed as well as summer barley for contract grain. The Waiouru farm is 30% flat and 70% rolling to easy hill and the Ohakune farm is 30% flat to easy hill and 70% hill to steep hill country.

On offer is a double glazed 3 bedroom cottage that has a heat pump and a fire installed. The house is within minutes to the township of Waiouru. Remuneration package will be based on skills and experience of the successful applicant. An applicant with less experience but a great attitude will be considered.

For further questions, feel free to contact Kate on 027 423 5521 or apply now by sending your CV and Cover Letter to recruitment@agfirst.co.nz.

Applicants must have NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.