Gore - Shepherd General – Kepler Farm
The Opportunity**
Are you passionate about farming and keen to develop your skills as part of a supportive and experienced team?
We're looking for a Shepherd General to join us at Kepler Farm, where you'll gain hands-on experience across all aspects of our sheep, and beef operations — from stock work and general maintenance to pasture management and feed allocation. You'll play a role in executing a strategy focused on production and profitability, underpinned by sound farming principles like growing dry matter and converting it efficiently through feed budgeting and pasture management.
This role would suit someone who is fairly new to farming, or you could be an experienced shepherd.
Working alongside a skilled team who are committed to your growth, this is a great opportunity to build your confidence, broaden your experience, and contribute to a high-performing team.
**The Farm**
Kepler Farm is set in spectacular scenery on the outskirts of Manapouri township and only a 15-minute drive from Te Anau with easy access to the wonders of Fiordland National Park.
This 1645 ha farm is a predominantly flat to rolling hill property breeding and finishing 15,000 su with an all-grass wintering system. The large commercial system is based around high quality pasture-based beef finishing with some lamb finishing over the summer season.
What differentiates Kepler from other Pamu farms in Te Anau is the presence of the terminal sheep stud and the “Beef+Lamb” beef progeny trial. The farm has a strong environmental focus that has seen the farm win awards in the past. Kepler is a diverse and exciting farm to be on.
The position comes with a tidy two-bedroom cottage that’s semi furnished. With easy access to recreational activities in the bordering Fiordland National Park and a full range of amenities and services in nearby Te Anau.
**About You**
Whether you are fairly new to farming or you’re an experienced shepherd, you are passionate about farming, love working with livestock, and want to be part of a team that works hard and gets results. You’re practical, carry a positive attitude, and always looking for ways to do the job better.
You will:- Enjoy working with animals and take their welfare seriously
- Opportunity to build a team of dogs or get started.
- Be organised, reliable, and self-motivated in your daily tasks
- Communicate clearly and work well as part of a team
- Be comfortable keeping accurate records and using farm technology (or keen to learn)
- Take a proactive approach to health, safety, and looking after farm assets
- Have a valid restricted or full driver licence
**Benefits**
We offer a competitive salary package, including health and life insurance, enhanced parental leave benefits, and up to 4% KiwiSaver matching. You'll also receive an extra day of leave over Christmas, plus ongoing training and development. Some meat is supplied on farm along with excellent PPE.Farm manager and team willing to support and develop your skills.
**Apply Now**Applications close **Sunday 25th May 2025**. we will be interviewing applicants as they apply.
Please contact Farm Manager – Travis Leslie on lesliet@landcorp.co.nz, if you have any questions.
**To be eligible for this role, you must be available for an in-person interview and have unrestricted legal rights to work in New Zealand. We are unable to accept applicants on temporary work visas for permanent opportunities.**
Pamu provides a safe workplace and the successful applicant will be required to pass a drug and alcohol test and undergo a criminal background check prior to being appointed.