Senior Shepherd Opportunity at Pāmu's Kepler Farm
Join the team at Pāmu's Kepler Farm as a Senior Shepherd. This role is open because our previous Senior Shepherd has moved into a new role on the farm, this shows the real career growth available here.
Most of your time will be spent working with stock. You will also help with farm maintenance, pasture care and planning feed for the animals. You will be supported to learn how these tasks help the farm care for its animals, grow good pasture and run well.
You enjoy farming and working with animals. You are practical, positive and keen to be part of a supportive team. You take pride in your work and look for simple ways to make things better.
You:
- Bring previous shepherding experience
- Enjoy working with animals and take their welfare seriously
- Have an established team of dogs
- Are 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
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.
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 1600 ha farm is a predominantly flat to rolling hill property breeding and finishing 15,000 su with a grass-based 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 Pāmu 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.
With easy access to outstanding recreational activities in the bordering Fiordland National Park and a full range of amenities and services in nearby Te Anau. School bus pick up is available from the gate for primary and high schools in Te Anau.
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.
The position includes a comfortable three bedroom home.
Applications close midnight Sunday 4 October 2026. We will be interviewing applicants as they apply.
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.