Shepherd/Shepherdess

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.

About the Company

Our client is an established mixed farming business with a strong focus on animal welfare, sustainable agriculture and producing high-quality food.

The farm combines arable farming with sheep production, using the flock to graze grassland, herbal leys and crops as part of its wider farming system.

The business has successfully developed its grass-fed sheep flock and is now expanding its outdoor dairy sheep enterprise.

With a focus on improving soil health, livestock performance and farming efficiency, the business is continually looking at new ways to develop its farming practices.

This is a great opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking farming team, with plenty of support and opportunities to learn new skills.

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

You will have / be:

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

How to Apply

Please click on the "apply now" button.

As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, 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

The 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.

About Us

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed