Herdsman Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly conscious of sustainable practices, the role of the herdsman is more crucial than ever.

As the agricultural industry evolves, so does the need for skilled individuals who can efficiently manage, care for, and expand our herds.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a herdsman?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate details of herd management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable herdsman job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Herdsman Duties and Responsibilities

Herdsmen are primarily responsible for the overall health and wellbeing of livestock under their care, often in large quantities.

Their roles include feeding, health monitoring, breeding management, and ensuring the safety of the herd.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring the health and welfare of the livestock
• Feeding the livestock and ensuring they have access to water
• Administering medication or first aid to livestock as needed
• Assisting with the birthing process and caring for newborn livestock
• Maintaining records of livestock births, deaths, and any health concerns or treatments
• Ensuring the safety and security of the livestock, including maintaining fencing and other protective measures
• Identifying, marking or tagging livestock
• Assisting in the breeding process, which may include artificial insemination
• Training livestock to follow simple commands and to be comfortable around humans
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the livestock’s living areas
• Communicating any concerns or observations to a veterinary professional as needed

 

Herdsman Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated and experienced Herdsman to assist with the day-to-day tasks associated with our livestock operations.

The Herdsman will be responsible for the health, welfare, and productivity of our livestock, primarily focusing on cattle, sheep, or other herding animals.

The ideal candidate is expected to be physically fit, knowledgeable about animal health and nutrition, and comfortable working in all weather conditions.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in the feeding, watering, and general care of livestock
• Monitor health and well-being of the herd and administer basic medical treatment or seek veterinary care as needed
• Maintain records of animal health, breeding, and production
• Assist with calving, lambing, and other birthing processes
• Coordinate and assist with herd movements, including rounding up, sorting, and transporting animals
• Perform routine maintenance on farm equipment and facilities
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitary conditions of animal housing areas

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Herdsman or similar role in livestock farming
• Knowledge of animal behavior, health, and welfare
• Experience in operating farm machinery
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Physical strength and stamina
• Basic knowledge of veterinary medicine
• High school diploma or equivalent. Further education in animal science or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development
• Housing may be provided

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Herdsman
• Work Environment: Outdoor setting with exposure to all weather conditions. The position may involve lifting heavy objects and extended periods of standing and walking.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager or Livestock Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies depending on experience and location
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Herdsman Do?

A Herdsman is an agricultural professional who primarily deals with the care and management of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and sometimes horses.

They feed, water, and monitor the health of the animals on a regular basis.

They may also be responsible for milking, shearing, and collecting eggs in the case of poultry.

Herdsmen administer medication and vaccines to prevent diseases and treat any sick animals.

They also assist with the birth of new animals and ensure their healthy growth.

In addition to their animal care duties, herdsmen often maintain and repair farm equipment, fences, and buildings.

They may also be involved in pasture management and ensuring that grazing land is fertile and safe for the animals.

Herdsmen often work closely with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and other agricultural professionals to ensure the overall well-being of the herd.

They also keep records of the animals’ health, vaccinations, and milk or meat production.

These records can be used for breeding purposes or to determine which animals are most productive.

Many herdsmen have extensive knowledge of animal behavior and use this to manage the herd effectively, moving them from pasture to pasture and separating sick animals from the rest of the herd as necessary.

 

Herdsman Qualifications and Skills

A proficient herdsman should possess skills and qualifications that align with the essential needs of managing and maintaining a herd, such as:

• Animal husbandry skills to effectively manage and care for the herd, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
• Extensive knowledge about the behavior and needs of various livestock to provide appropriate feed and care.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work in various weather conditions and perform demanding tasks such as herding, milking, and assisting with animal births.
• Disease management and prevention skills to identify signs of illness in the herd and take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of disease.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations like predator attacks or sudden changes in weather conditions.
• Interpersonal skills to work well with other farm staff, vets, and potentially interface with visitors or customers.
• Record keeping skills to track health records, breeding cycles, and milk or meat production, as well as manage inventory of feed and other supplies.
• Basic mechanical skills to operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment.

 

Herdsman Experience Requirements

Herdsman roles usually require 1 to 2 years of experience in animal care, often obtained through part-time roles or internships on a farm or ranch.

Prior experience in handling livestock, understanding their behavior, and performing basic health assessments is essential.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have practical knowledge in areas such as herd management, vaccination schedules, birthing assistance, and livestock nutrition.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have supervisory or managerial experience in managing a farm or ranch.

They are proficient in performing complex tasks like strategic breeding, pasture management, and livestock market evaluation.

Advanced roles as a herdsman may require specialized knowledge such as genetic selection or dairy science, which can be obtained through further education or extensive experience in the field.

 

Herdsman Education and Training Requirements

Herdsman or herd managers typically require at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Practical experience is critical in this field, so individuals aspiring to become a herdsman often start by working on a farm, taking care of livestock, and learning about animal behavior and care.

Some herdsmen may opt to complete a degree or certificate in animal science, veterinary technology or a related field, which provides comprehensive training on animal nutrition, health, reproduction, and welfare.

Further knowledge in business management, farm machinery and building maintenance can be beneficial, as herdsmen often have to manage a farm and its operations.

Optional certification can be obtained from various agricultural or livestock associations which can improve a herdsman’s employability and demonstrate professional competence.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest farming techniques and animal health research is essential for a herdsman to maintain optimal productivity and animal wellbeing.

 

Herdsman Salary Expectations

The average salary for a herdsman is approximately $31,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate depending on the size of the herd they manage, their level of experience, the location, and the specific industry in which they work.

 

Herdsman Job Description FAQs

What skills does a herdsman need?

A herdsman needs to have good physical stamina and strength, as the job can be physically demanding.

They should also have good observational skills to monitor the health and well-being of the herd, as well as basic veterinary skills to handle minor health issues.

Knowledge of farming methods and animal behavior is also important.

 

Do herdsmen need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for a herdsman role.

However, a diploma or degree in agriculture, animal science, or a related field may be beneficial.

Practical experience is often more important, and this can be gained through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or working on a family farm.

 

What should you look for in a herdsman resume?

When looking at a herdsman resume, check for previous experience in livestock management and farming.

Familiarity with farming equipment, veterinary care, and herd behavior are all important.

Look for instances where they’ve handled responsibilities such as feeding, breeding, and health monitoring of livestock.

Certifications in animal care or farming can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good herdsman?

A good herdsman is patient, observant, and dedicated to the well-being of the herd.

They should have a strong work ethic, be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, and have the ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Good herdsmen are also problem solvers, able to react quickly and effectively when issues arise.

 

What are the daily duties of a herdsman?

A herdsman’s day often begins early, with tasks including feeding livestock, checking for signs of illness or injury, and maintaining cleanliness of the animals’ living areas.

They may also handle breeding tasks, assist with animal births, and conduct regular health checks.

Record keeping, such as tracking animal growth and milk production, is also a key part of a herdsman’s role.

 

Is it difficult to hire a herdsman?

Hiring a herdsman can be challenging, particularly in areas where there are fewer people with farming or livestock experience.

It’s also a physically demanding job that requires dedication and hard work, which can make it harder to find suitable candidates.

Providing competitive wages and good working conditions can help attract qualified individuals.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essence of what it means to be a herdsman.

Guess what?

It’s not just about tending to livestock.

It’s about nurturing a crucial part of our agricultural system, one herd at a time.

With our trusty herdsman job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Each animal in your care is a vital part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s foster that ecosystem. Together.

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