Removes wool and hair from sheep, goats, alpacas and other animals.

Selects and prepares shearing equipment; catches and positions animals for shearing; shears and removes wool and hair from animals; identifies contaminated fibre and injured, infected and diseased animals; treats skin cuts; returns shorn animals to let-out pens for counting and checking; may service, maintain and repair shearing equipment; may shear stud animals with hand shears or special combs.

• Typically employees work indoors in shearing sheds.
• Employees frequently work in smelly, hot, dusty and dirty conditions.

• Medium to heavy physical demand levels.
• Constantly stands and moves about the worksite.
• Sitting is not required.
• Frequently to constantly stretches up or across when shearing.
• Occasionally squats or crouches and kneels when shearing.
• Twisting of the body or neck is required frequently.
• Substantial contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant component of the job.
• Heavy lifting and carrying is likely to be frequent when catching and positioning animals for shearing.
• Bending is constantly required when shearing.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements are constant.
• Driving is not a significant requirement.
• The use of hand tools is constant.
• Mental skills necessary include animal handling, and technical skills.

An NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.