Shepherd

Auckland Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kiwisaver contributions

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Shepherd to support farming operations across the region’s parks. The role involves stock work, pasture management and animal health, in an outdoor setting, with workload distributed across sites.

The successful candidate will work with the Farming Operations Manager and Park Rangers to implement the operational plan while protecting park values. Salary ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Hands-on farming skills with livestock.
• Valid NZ driver's licence required.
• Willingness to work outdoors across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Handle stock across 22 regional and local parks.
• Maintain pasture and manage animal health and welfare.
• Operate farm machinery and perform routine maintenance.
• Collaborate with Farming Operations Manager, Supervisors and Rangers.

Skills

Livestock handling

Fencing

Pasture management

Animal health

Stock work

Farm machinery operation

Education

Tertiary or vocational training

Job description

Shepherd

Salary : $60,000 - 70,000 yearly

Company : Auckland Council

Job Type : Full Time New Zealand

Job Description - Shepherd

• Work across 22 parks, combining large-scale farming with conservation-focused practices.
• Build your shepherding skills in stock work, animal health, and pasture care.
• Join a supportive team that works in great outdoors.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We're now looking for a Shepherd to work across all of the region’s farms depending on where workload is. The key focus of this position is to work collectively with the Farming Operations Manager, Block Supervisors and Park Rangers to implement the operational plan in a way that optimises farm performance.

Our operations are unique focused not only on productivity, but also on protecting public park values. All farming practices are tailored to suit the park environment, ensuring sustainable stock class management, breed types, stocking rates, and sheep-to-cattle ratios that align with broader conservation and public use objectives.

Auckland Council operates one of the largest farming enterprises in the Auckland region, with farming activities spanning 22 Regional and Local Parks over 1,400 hectares. Our stock comprises 6500 sheep and 900 cattle, managed for both breeding and finishing.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your shepherding skillset through hands‑on involvement in all aspects of day‑to‑day farm operations including stock work, animal health, pasture management, and general maintenance.

The salary range for this role is between $60,000 - $70,000 depending on experience and skillset.

He kōrero mōu: About you

The successful candidate may possess 1-2 well‑managed working dogs (preferred) and demonstrate strong practical farming skills, including livestock handling, fencing, general maintenance, and the safe operation of farm machinery and equipment. You will be required to have a valid NZ driver's licence.

A commitment to continuous self‑improvement and a willingness to adopt new technologies that enhance farm productivity and profitability are essential. Recent completion of tertiary and/or vocational training is expected, with the candidate actively seeking to develop their career within a large‑scale, commercial farming enterprise.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

Applications close: Wednesday 5th August at midnight

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

This role is deemed safety sensitive and, in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre‑employment drug & alcohol testing.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.