Shepherd General - Dawson Downs Farm

2/21/2026

Key responsibilities include comprehensive livestock management and stock work, alongside performing some tractor operations, for which training will be provided. The role also encompasses general farm maintenance, fencing duties, and ensuring proper winter feeding protocols are followed.

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

At Pāmu, we are committed to enriching our land, our people, and the future of food and fibre for Aotearoa New Zealand. As the brand name for Landcorp Farming Limited, a State-Owned Enterprise established in 1886, we are proud to be the largest pastoral farming company in New Zealand, managing nearly 360,000 hectares across more than 100 farms. We aim to farm sustainably and responsibly, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving agricultural landscape. We manage a broad mix of land types and classes, including some of New Zealand’s most iconic farms such as Wairākei Estate and Molesworth Station. Balancing operational performance with environmental stewardship is at the core of everything we do. Our farming approach is rooted in innovation and sustainability. We are constantly evolving our practices to reduce environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and create long-term value for the land we are entrusted to manage. Our leadership in organic farming, methane-reducing livestock, and conservation efforts are key examples of how we are shaping the future of agriculture. Kaitiakitanga—guardianship of the environment—is fundamental to our operations. We are dedicated to nurturing the land, protecting ecosystems, and reducing our carbon footprint. We’re committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and have protected over 10,000 hectares of conservation land under QEII covenants. As stewards of these natural assets, we strive to enhance both the land and the wider agricultural sector. Our people are at the heart of Pāmu. With 630 permanent staff, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace. We invest in the growth and well-being of our team through comprehensive safety measures, mental health training, and development opportunities.

About the Role

Competitive Salary including a three bedroom house
Varied role on this diverse farm as part of our high performing team
Based in Balclutha

900-ha property finishing 15,000 - 20,000 lambs per season, 400 heifers and steers, and grazing 300 replacement dairy heifers

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you an experienced shepherd or someone with some experience working outdoors looking to start your career in farming? Either way, we have some scope, so this is an opportunity to join our energetic, innovative team at Waipori Station.

As a shepherd, you’ll work closely with the farm manager, who will support your growth and development.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Livestock management and stock work
Some tractor work – training provided
Winter feeding
General farm maintenance and fencing

This sheep and beef farm offers opportunities for good dog work, with diverse hill country terrain. you’ll thrive on variety and enjoy rolling up your sleeves to tackle all aspects of farm life.

ABOUT US

Pāmu Landcorp Farming Limited is a State-Owned Enterprise with over 110 farms across New Zealand. Our purpose is to lead the delivery of innovative and sustainable agriculture solutions for future generations

THE FARM

Dawson Downs is a 900-ha finishing property located 15 minutes south of Balclutha. This property finishes 15,000 - 20,000 lambs per season, we graze 300 replacement dairy heifers, finish 400 bulls and 200 angus steers.

ABOUT YOU

You’re passionate about farming, love working with livestock, and want to be part of a team that works hard and gets results. You’re practical and always looking for ways to do the job better.

Ideally, you’ll have the following:

Enjoy working with animals and take their welfare seriously
Ideally have a small team of working dogs – with room to expand
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

We’re proud to have a supportive and inclusive culture at Pāmu, and we encourage applications from people who share our values – even if you don’t tick every box.

BENEFITS

We care about your wellbeing - that’s why we offer health and life insurance, enhanced parental leave benefits, and up to 4% KiwiSaver matching as part of a competitive salary package. You’ll also receive an extra day of leave over Christmas, along with ongoing training and development to help you thrive.

A three-bedroom home is provided.

APPLY NOW

Applications close on Sunday 8 March 2026. We will be contacting applicants as they apply.

For a chat about the role, please contact Caleb Neilson, Farm Manager, on (021) 193-3397 or email neilsonc@landcorp.co.nz.

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.

Pāmu 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.

Our values are core to who we are at Pāmu and the way that we all work together. We are Grounded, Genuine, Bold, and Shoulder-to-Shoulder. To read more, click on this link to see them on our website. To see what it's like to work in our Dairy team, click on this link to see A Day In The Life of a Dairy Assistant at Pāmu, or to learn about what our Livestock team is all about, click on this link to see A Day In The Life of a Shepherd at Pāmu.

Pāmu is the brand name for Landcorp Farming Limited, and successful applicants will be employed by Landcorp Farming Limited.

Key Skills

Livestock ManagementStock WorkTractor WorkWinter FeedingFarm MaintenanceFencingDog WorkAnimal WelfareOrganizationReliabilitySelf-MotivationCommunicationRecord KeepingFarm TechnologyHealth And SafetyDriver Licence