Livestock Manager - Extensive Rangelands

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on the farm

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund participation

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a highly experienced Livestock Manager to oversee extensive rangeland operations near Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on managing large herds, safeguarding animal health, welfare, and breeding programs while ensuring sustainable grazing and efficient resource use.

You will lead a small team of handlers, develop grazing plans, supervise feeding, monitor performance, and maintain records.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years proven experience in managing extensive livestock operations.
• In-depth knowledge of livestock breeds, breeding cycles, nutrition, and health management.
• Strong understanding of rangeland ecology and sustainable grazing principles.
• Experience with herd health programs and biosecurity measures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily management of large livestock herds, ensuring health, welfare, and productivity.
• Develop and implement grazing management plans to optimize pasture utilization and prevent overgrazing.
• Manage supplementary feeding programs, ensuring adequate nutrition throughout the year.
• Implement and maintain animal health and disease prevention programs, including vaccinations and parasite control.
• Monitor herd performance, including breeding, growth rates, and mortality, and implement improvement strategies.
• Supervise and train livestock handlers and farm staff, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Maintain detailed records of animal movements, health treatments, breeding data, and herd inventories.
• Manage water resources and infrastructure for livestock watering points.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations and sustainable land management principles.
• Oversee the procurement of livestock and manage sales and marketing operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Record-keeping

Farm management software

Education

Degree or diploma in Animal Science / Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Livestock Manager to oversee extensive rangeland operations in the Queenstown area, Eastern Cape . This critical role involves the management of large herds, ensuring animal health, welfare, and optimal breeding programs. The Livestock Manager will be responsible for grazing management, supplementary feeding, disease prevention, and monitoring herd performance. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of livestock husbandry, rangeland ecology, and sustainable grazing practices. This is a hands-on role that requires strong leadership, excellent animal husbandry skills, and the ability to manage resources effectively in a remote setting. You will be instrumental in maintaining and improving the productivity and health of the livestock on significant landholdings within the Eastern Cape . This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to the agricultural sector in a key region of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily management of large livestock herds (e.g., cattle, sheep), ensuring their health, welfare, and productivity.
• Develop and implement effective grazing management plans to optimize pasture utilization and prevent overgrazing.
• Manage supplementary feeding programs, ensuring adequate nutrition throughout the year.
• Implement and maintain comprehensive animal health and disease prevention programs, including vaccinations and parasite control.
• Monitor herd performance, including breeding, growth rates, and mortality, and implement strategies for improvement.
• Supervise and train livestock handlers and farm staff, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Maintain detailed records of animal movements, health treatments, breeding data, and herd inventories.
• Manage water resources and infrastructure for livestock watering points.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations and sustainable land management principles.
• Oversee the procurement of livestock and manage sales and marketing operations.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing extensive livestock operations.
• In-depth knowledge of livestock breeds, breeding cycles, nutrition, and health management.
• Strong understanding of rangeland ecology and sustainable grazing principles.
• Experience with herd health programs and biosecurity measures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in remote conditions and make sound decisions.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic farm management software.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and sustainable livestock farming.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, along with benefits that include accommodation on the farm, comprehensive medical aid, and participation in a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for further professional development in livestock management are available.
• Join a well-established agricultural enterprise committed to excellence and sustainability in the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape .
• Be a part of shaping the future of livestock farming in South Africa .