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