Shepherd/Shepherdess

Agricultural and Farming Jobs; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension

Training & development

Regenerative farming experience

Job summary

A practical Shepherd or Shepherdess role is available in Oxfordshire for a progressive 500-hectare mixed farming business. You will handle day-to-day flock care, grazing management, and fencing, with opportunities to contribute to regenerative farming and our expanding dairy sheep operation.

The position is full-time and permanent, offering £28,000-£32,500 depending on experience, 28 days holiday, pension, and ongoing training. Local candidates only; Right to Work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Good practical experience working with sheep.
• Confident with day-to-day flock management and lambing.
• Experience repairing and maintaining agricultural fencing.
• Understanding of sheep health and welfare.

Responsibilities

• Daily stock checks and general flock management
• Lambing, feeding, vaccinating, worming and routine sheep husbandry
• Checking, maintaining and repairing agricultural fencing, including electric fencing
• Moving sheep and managing grazing areas
• Monitoring flock health, welfare and performance
• Maintaining sheep-handling facilities and equipment
• Keeping accurate livestock records
• Supporting the development of the dairy sheep flock
• Assisting with general farm duties when required

Skills

Sheep experience

Flock management

Lambing

Fencing repair

Sheep health

Outdoor work

Team player

Education

NVQ Level 2

Job description

Shepherd / Shepherdess

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Are you an experienced Shepherd or Shepherdess who enjoys hands-on flock management and working with livestock?

Are you confident carrying out fencing repairs, maintaining electric fencing and managing grazing areas?

Would you like to join a progressive mixed farming business with a growing dairy sheep enterprise and excellent opportunities to develop your skills?

Location of the Job: South Oxfordshire - no accommodation is available - candidates must live locally

Salary & Benefits Package

• £28,000-£32,500 depending on experience
• Permanent, full-time position
• 28 days holiday
• Statutory sick pay and pension
• Excellent training and development opportunities, including regular external training
• Opportunity to gain experience in regenerative farming and dairy sheep production

Additional Information

This is an exciting opportunity for a practical and enthusiastic Shepherd or Shepherdess to join a progressive 500-hectare mixed farming business in Oxfordshire.

The farm currently runs over 440 breeding ewes and up to 900 lambs, alongside a growing outdoor dairy sheep enterprise.

The main focus of this position will be day-to-day flock management, sheep husbandry, grazing management and fencing repairs.

The business is looking for someone who takes pride in their stockmanship, enjoys working outdoors and would welcome the opportunity to learn and develop.

Shepherd / Shepherdess - The Job Role Details

You will be responsible for the day-to-day care and management of the sheep flock, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and keeping grazing areas and fencing in good condition.

This is a practical, hands‑on position involving general shepherding duties, fencing repairs and working alongside the wider farm team.

You will also have the opportunity to gain experience with the developing dairy sheep flock.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily stock checks and general flock management
• Lambing, feeding, vaccinating, worming and routine sheep husbandry
• Checking, maintaining and repairing agricultural fencing, including electric fencing
• Moving sheep and managing grazing areas
• Monitoring flock health, welfare and performance
• Maintaining sheep-handling facilities and equipment
• Keeping accurate livestock records
• Supporting the development of the dairy sheep flock
• Assisting with general farm duties when required

Ideal Candidate Skills & Qualifications

• Good practical experience working with sheep
• Confident with day-to-day flock management and lambing
• Practical experience repairing and maintaining agricultural fencing
• A good understanding of sheep health and welfare
• Reliable, hardworking and happy working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn Experience in regenerative farming, rotational grazing or dairy sheep would be beneficial but is not essential.

Working Hours

Full-time, permanent position

Flexibility required during lambing and busy farming periods

Applicants must be able to commute to the farm, as no accommodation is provided

We do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role being applied for.

Industry (Key Words)

Shepherd, Shepherdess, Sheep Stockperson, Sheep Farming, Livestock Worker, Flock Management, Lambing, Sheep Husbandry, Fencing Repairs, Electric Fencing, Grazing Management, Farm Worker, Dairy Sheep, Regenerative Farming, Mixed Farming, Oxfordshire

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. Rest assured your application will be handled in complete confidence, and your personal details will not be shared with any third party without your prior consent.