Melior Venison is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated
Junior/Intermediate Shepherd to join our team.
This role offers a genuine opportunity for someone keen to build skills, take
responsibility over time, and grow their career in a progressive farming business.
Melior Venison operates a leading Stud Deer farming operation across three properties,
totalling 2,550 hectares. Our livestock mix includes approximately 5,000 deer,
1,400 cattle, and 2,150 ewes, across a diverse landscape of irrigated flats,
rolling hills, dryland, and high-country terrain.
The Role
You’ll work closely with our Stud Farm Manager and Stock Manager as part of a supportive,
experienced team. Day-to-day work includes:
- Handling and working with commercial and stud deer
- Finishing young stock (lambs, deer, and cattle)
- Assisting with velveting approximately 600 stags
- Daily stock shifting and pasture management
- Irrigation shifting and record-keeping
- Seasonal work such as mustering and tailing
- Some tractor work and feeding out
With a solid team structure in place, this role can be shaped
to suit someone who is ready to step up and take on responsibility
as confidence and skills grow.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings the right attitude first and foremost:
- Clear, respectful communication with managers and teammates
- Positive, honest, and reliable work ethic
- Ability to work well both independently and within a team
- Genuine interest in good stockmanship and learning best practice
- Willingness to contribute ideas and improve systems
- 1-2 good working dogs is an advantage but not essential at this stage
What We Offer
- Comfortable shared accommodation
- Competitive remuneration based on experience
- Meat included
- On-farm and off-farm training opportunities
- Support for development, upskilling, and career progression within the business
Location & Lifestyle
The farm is located 20 minutes from Fairlie and Pleasant Point,
close to Lake Opuha, ski fields, hunting and fishing opportunities, and an
active Young Farmers network.
This position is open to applicants with junior to intermediate experience. We value
attitude, motivation, and the desire to grow just as much as previous experience.