Reindeer Herder – Seasonal Position in Seiland, Norway

Spend your summer in the Norwegian Arctic, helping care for a free-ranging reindeer herd. This seasonal position combines practical outdoor work, animal care, and life in one of Northern Norway's most spectacular wilderness areas.

Seasonal work lasts from june/july to september/october.

Hva vi ser etter

We are looking for people who are:

• Responsible and reliable

• Comfortable working independently

• Comfortable living and working in a remote environment

• Interested in outdoor life and nature

• Practical and solution-oriented

• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions

• Holders of a valid Class B driving licence

Parts of the job can be physically demanding. Herding reindeer, travelling across rough terrain, and working outdoors in changing weather conditions require a good level of fitness and endurance.

The following experience is beneficial, but not required:

• ATV operation

• Drone operation

• Livestock, farming, or animal care

• Hunting, fishing, or outdoor recreation

• Working in remote or wilderness environments

Full training will be provided where necessary.

Personal suitability, attitude, and reliability are considered more important than previous experience.

Requirements for Applicants

Due to this position being in high demand, and a big volume of applicants, we can only go through the applications that follow ALLof these requirements. If you don't follow this, your application might not be processed.

To apply, send a short summary of why you feel you would be a good fit for this position, include a CV with documentation of experience/licenses that might be relevant for this position, also include a photo of yourself.

Applications should be sent to [email protected]

For relevant, direct questions ONLY, regarding this position after you have applied, forward them to the contact person for this position.

Applicants must either:

• Be citizens of an EU/EEA country with the legal right to work in Norway, or

• Already possess a valid work permit or visa allowing immediate employment in Norway

We are unable to sponsor visas or wait for immigration applications to be processed.

A valid EU/EEA or Norwegian Class B driving licence is required.

Please do not apply if:

• You are not legally eligible to work in Norway at the time of application

• You do not hold a valid Class B driving licence

• You have not read the job description carefully

Arbeidsoppgaver

The primary responsibility is herding and caring for a free-ranging reindeer herd.

Using GPS tracking, field observations, and local knowledge, you will help keep the animals in suitable grazing areas and prevent them from moving towards roads, residential areas, and other unsuitable locations.

Typical tasks include:

• Herding and supervising the reindeer herd

• Monitoring herd movements using GPS systems

• Observing animal health and behaviour

• Following up individual animals when required

• Basic maintenance of ATVs, vehicles, cabins, and equipment

• Observing and reporting activity in and around grazing areas

• Working together with our herding dogs to keep the reindeers away from the dangers of roads and populated areas

Workload varies depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and the needs of the animals.

Some days may require extensive herding, feeding, and field work, while other days are quieter and focus more on supervision, inspections, and maintenance tasks.

Working hours are therefore not always identical from day to day.

This job also requires the workers to spend time in a herders cabin without water and plumbing, for sometimes extended periods of time. This is not a job similar to industrial farming and agriculture, this is the style of traditional sami reindeer herding, and it is important that applicants consider this before applying.

If you don't enjoy or feel comfortable spending time alone, working with full responsibility of your own and the herd's safety, this isn't the job for you.

The animals determine the workload, and applicants should be prepared to adapt accordingly.

Vi tilbyr

The work takes place on Seiland, a remote Arctic island known for its mountains, fjords, glaciers, wildlife, and untouched nature.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience

• Work on rotation usually 50/50 work/time off

• Accommodation provided during work periods

• Training and support by skilled sami reindeer herders

• A unique workplace in Arctic Norway

• A high degree of independence and responsibility

• Opportunities to work with GPS technology, ATVs, UAVs, and modern livestock management tools

• Potential opportunities for continued employment after the season

While the work is based in a remote environment, it is still reasonably accessible. The nearest city is Hammerfest, which offers an airport, supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare services, gyms, and most amenities typically found in Norwegian cities.

Hammerfest is located approximately 9 km from the ferry terminal at Akkarfjord. The ferry crossing to Seiland takes around 20 minutes, followed by approximately 15 minutes of driving to the work location.

A local grocery store on Seiland provides access to everyday necessities.

Accommodation is provided by the company during scheduled work periods. Employees have access to a simple herder's cabin close to the grazing area, as well as accommodation with shower and laundry facilities when needed.

Bringing your own car, campervan, or motorhome is also welcome.