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Occupation Information

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Shearer

Duties and Tasks
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
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Earnings
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Occupation Video




	Setting the shears to cut to the desired length

Shearers cut wool from sheep using power-driven handpieces, which are fitted with combs and cutters.

Duties and Tasks

Shearers may perform the following tasks:

take sheep from catching pens and hold firmly while shearing fleece in one piece
select shearing combs to suit the type of sheep and wool
treat any severe sheep skin cuts
return shorn sheep to let-out pens for counting and checking
shear stud animals with hand shears or special combs
clean and sharpen combs and cutters.

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Physical Education Rural Studies
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including good vision for detail Including hot, cold or humid environment Including physical effort Including standing for long periods
Work Field	Agriculture, Animal and Primary Industries
Work Interest	Practical or Mechanical Nature or Recreation
Skill Level	Semi-skilled Jobs

Work Conditions

Expedition shearers work in a team and may be responsible to an overseer or shearing contractor. These shearers travel long distances from property to property to work. Others may work within their own district and travel daily to the shearing shed, returning to their own homes each day.

Accommodation is usually provided in shearers' quarters either on the property or in a nearby town. Shearers supply their own work clothes, combs and cutters.