Dreaming of a life where the rolling hills are your office, and working with animals is your daily reality? If you’re experienced in livestock handling and ready to take on a leadership role, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
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Mt Somers Station — a respected high-country farm in Ashburton, New Zealand — is hiring a Head Shepherd. This role is perfect for someone who loves working with sheep, enjoys the outdoors, and has a genuine passion for farm life.
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Let’s walk through what this job is all about, what you need to apply, and where you can find more real agricultural jobs in New Zealand.
🐑 What Does a Head Shepherd Do?
As Head Shepherd, you’re not just managing animals — you’re managing people, paddocks, dogs, and logistics. Here’s what the role typically includes:
- Overseeing day-to-day sheep and beef operations
- Working with other shepherds and junior staff
- Animal health checks, feeding, and breeding
- Organizing mustering and shearing schedules
- Using and training working dogs
- Operating farm machinery as needed
- Reporting to the farm manager or owner
In short, it’s a leadership role with lots of action — perfect for someone with a few years of hands-on experience.
📍 About Mt Somers Station
Mt Somers Station is a historic high-country station near Ashburton, in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. It spans thousands of hectares and has been known for generations as a producer of fine wool and quality livestock.
Working here means joining a tradition of New Zealand farming at its best — and getting to live and work in a beautiful alpine region.
Learn more about the station’s region here:
👉 Ashburton District – Official Site
✅ What You’ll Need to Qualify
This isn’t an entry-level role — the farm is looking for someone with:
- At least 2–3 years of sheep and beef farm experience
- Strong working dog handling skills (own dogs preferred)
- Sound animal health and pasture management knowledge
- Ability to manage a small team
- Good communication and reporting skills
- Tractor or motorbike operation experience is a bonus
If you’re international, having New Zealand farm experience already is a huge plus — many employers prefer candidates already in the country.
💼 What’s in It for You?
Aside from the fresh air and unbeatable scenery, here’s what a role like this typically offers:
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Housing provided (many roles include on-farm accommodation)
- Dog food allowance
- Ongoing training and development
- A long-term, stable role in a respected station
🌎 Can Overseas Applicants Apply?
New Zealand farming is always looking for experienced shepherds — including from abroad. If you’re from countries like the UK, Ireland, or Australia and already have a Working Holiday Visa or Accredited Employer Work Visa, you may be eligible.
Learn more about New Zealand’s farm-friendly visas:
👉 Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
👉 Working Holiday Scheme
Also, check listings here for new shepherd roles:
👉 Farm Source NZ Jobs
👉 Seek NZ – Agriculture Jobs
👉 Work the Seasons NZ
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Not mentioning working dog experience
- Forgetting to include farm machinery skills
- Applying without New Zealand work rights
- Leaving out leadership or supervisory experience
- Sending a generic resume with no farming details
This is a specialized role — so tailor your resume to match it!
🧑🌾 Real Example: Hannah’s Shepherd Story
Hannah, originally from Scotland, got her start in New Zealand as a junior shepherd. Within 3 years, she became head shepherd at a Canterbury station. “If you’re reliable and love stock work, there’s real opportunity here,” she says. “And you’re learning every day.”
✔️ Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- At least 2–3 years of sheep/beef experience
- Skilled with working dogs
- Confident in livestock health and pasture care
- Eligible to work in NZ (or already there)
- Clear, rural-focused CV
- Willing to relocate to Ashburton area
How to Apply for the Head Shepherd Role
- Update your farming resume – Highlight livestock experience and dog handling.
- Write a short cover letter – Say why you want the role and your experience.
- Apply through trusted NZ job boards or direct station listings.
- Prepare for a phone or Zoom interview.
- Be ready to provide references from past farm managers.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Work Where Others Vacation
The Head Shepherd role at Mt Somers Station isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. If you love working dogs, livestock, and being outdoors, this could be your dream role.
👉 Check if this role is still open or browse similar ones here:
https://www.farmsource.co.nz/jobs
Want a career that connects you to the land and gives you real responsibility?
