General Shepherds needed in NZ

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Posted on: 12/04/2026

Employer: Ngāi Tahu Tourism

Earn competitive pay while gaining valuable hands-on farming experience in a fixed-term Shepherd General role set in the stunning high country of Glenorchy.

Are you passionate about farming and eager to develop your stockmanship skills in a large-scale sheep and beef operation? Do you enjoy working outdoors and being part of a hardworking, supportive rural team?

Ngāi Tahu Farming is currently seeking a Shepherd General for a 6-month fixed-term contract at Greenstone–Elfin Bay Station. If you are motivated, reliable, and keen to grow your farming experience, this opportunity offers excellent exposure across winter and spring operations.

All the essential details about the role are outlined below, and applications are actively being reviewed.

Ready to take the next step in your farming career? Apply today!

Job Overview

FeatureDetails
EmployerNgāi Tahu Tourism
Job TitleShepherd General (Fixed-Term)
LocationGlenorchy, Otago (Greenstone–Elfin Bay Station)
Work LocationOn-site (High-country station)
SalaryCompetitive (based on experience)
HoursFull-time (seasonal farm hours)
Employment TypeFixed-Term (6 months: May to October)
Start DateMay 2026
Vacancies1 Position Available
ScheduleSeasonal farm work (winter–spring)
Language RequirementEnglish

Key Responsibilities

Working as a Shepherd General, you will be responsible for:

  • Stock work across hill and flat country
  • Managing pasture, feed planning, and livestock feeding
  • Supporting stock rotations and grazing systems
  • Fencing and general farm maintenance
  • Working with dogs and handling livestock
  • Assisting with all seasonal farming operations
  • Supporting the wider farm team to maintain high standards

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Qualifications

To qualify for this job, you will need the following:

Languages

  • English

Education

  • No formal qualification required

Experience

  • Previous farming experience is beneficial but not essential

Certifications

  • Not mandatory, but relevant farm skills are advantageous

Additional Skills

  • Strong work ethic and reliability
  • Willingness to learn and take initiative
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Good communication skills
  • Genuine interest in stockmanship and farming practices
  • Physically capable of working in high-country terrain

Ideally, you will also have:

  • 2–3 working dogs

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Work Environment & Conditions

  • High-country sheep and beef station (25,000ha)
  • Physically demanding outdoor work
  • Includes walking over steep and uneven terrain
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions
  • Seasonal workload during winter and spring

Benefits Offered by Ngāi Tahu Tourism

Ngāi Tahu Farming provides a supportive and rewarding work environment, including:

Accommodation & Lifestyle

  • On-farm accommodation provided
  • Access to a unique high-country lifestyle

Financial Benefits

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Meat and dog food included

Training & Development

  • On-farm and off-farm training opportunities
  • Hands-on learning across farming operations

Work Environment

  • Supportive and experienced team
  • Strong focus on wellbeing and development
  • Values-led organisation with a commitment to sustainability

Location & Lifestyle

Greenstone–Elfin Bay Station is located:

  • 35 minutes from Glenorchy
  • Approximately 1.5 hours from Queenstown

The area offers:

  • Access to ski fields
  • Excellent hunting and fishing opportunities
  • Close-knit rural community
  • Proximity to a major tourist destination

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How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply in the following way:

  • Submit your application through the official careers website

What you must include in your application:

  • Updated CV
  • References

What may be required during the hiring process:

  • Pre-employment checks
  • Drug and alcohol testing

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.