Shepherd / Shepherdess - Regenerative Livestock Systems
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.
Are you a motivated and skilled shepherd or shepherdess with a passion for regenerative livestock farming?
Do you enjoy working with outdoor, pasture-fed flocks and thrive on data-driven management to optimise animal, soil, and pasture performance?
Are you ready to take the next step in your career by helping to shape one of the UK's leading regenerative sheep enterprises?
Location of the Job: Oxfordshire
Salary & Benefits Package:
* £30,000-£32,500 DOE
* Permanent, full-time position
* 28 days holiday
* Statutory sick pay and pension
* On-site housing may be available
* Opportunity to participate in a future employee share or performance-based profit scheme
* Ongoing professional development - minimum one day per month external training
Additional Information:
This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive regenerative farming business that integrates livestock into a whole-farm system alongside arable and herbal ley rotations. The enterprise is focused on improving soil health, producing high-nutritional-value food, and building a resilient, pasture-fed flock system.
About the Company
Our client is a forward-thinking mixed farming business undergoing a rapid transition from conventional to regenerative practices across 500 hectares. The operation integrates livestock within its arable rotation, using diverse four-year herbal leys, cover crops, and permanent pastures to build soil biology and system resilience.
The enterprise has expanded its flock from 200 to over 440 head and is entering a new phase focused on data-led efficiency gains, pasture optimisation, and the continued development of a dairy sheep component within a 100% outdoor, pasture-fed system.
Their three key objectives are:
* Regenerating soil health
* Producing nutritious food through short supply chains
* Maximising margin (not yield) and minimising risk
Shepherd / Shepherdess - The Job Role Details
You will manage and develop the farm's breeding and dairy flocks across an integrated, adaptive multi-paddock grazing system. The role combines hands-on animal husbandry, data-driven decision-making, and close coordination with arable and regenerative management teams to maximise animal performance and soil regeneration.
You will also work closely with a newly appointed Dairy Manager to assist in developing the dairy flock and setting up milking and processing infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Core Duties:
* Manage 440+ breeding ewes in a split system including 89 head dairy sheep and 350 NZ Romney ewes (Wairere genetics)
* Operate and refine a 100% pasture-fed adaptive multi-paddock grazing system
* Plan and manage grazing and forage utilisation to maximise photosynthesis and soil improvement
* Undertake all flock management duties - lambing, tupping, scanning, vaccinations, worming, and daily husbandry
* Assist in developing the dairy flock and associated milking infrastructure
* Use innovative data collection systems (AgriWebb, EID readers, DNA testing) to monitor animal and pasture performance
* Collect and analyse livestock and forage data (weights, BCS, residuals, and leaf testing)
* Coordinate grazing and livestock movement with arable and farm teams
* Maintain fencing and infrastructure, engaging contractors when required
* Maintain all livestock and farm equipment to a high standard
* Participate in at least one day per month of external learning and development relevant to regenerative farming and flock management
Shared Farm Responsibilities:
* Contribute to machinery improvement and efficiency projects
* Support farm visits and stakeholder engagement to promote the farm's regenerative progress and achievements
Support Structure:
You will receive strong mentoring and guidance from senior team members and industry specialists, including:
* A Farm and Estates Director providing day-to-day operational support
* Senior regenerative farming consultants advising on grazing strategy and system design
* External specialists supporting data management and flock performance
Ideal Candidate Skills & Qualifications
You will have / be:
* Proven experience in sheep management and pasture-based livestock systems
* Understanding of regenerative or holistic grazing systems
* Confident in animal health, lambing, and general flock husbandry
* Comfortable with data-driven management and use of digital tools (e.g. AgriWebb, EID)
* Practical and proactive with good communication and teamwork skills
* Flexible and resilient, able to work outdoors in all seasons
* Agricultural qualifications preferred but not essential
Working Hours
- Full-time position
* Flexibility required during lambing and seasonal peaks
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, Livestock Manager, Sheep Flock, Dairy Sheep, Regenerative Agriculture, Pasture-Fed, Grazing Management, Herbal Leys, Animal Husbandry, Flock Performance, Sustainable Farming, Soil Health, Multi-Paddock Grazing, Farm Jobs
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.
