Fencers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss fencing needs with customers
• estimate and quote prices for their customers
• lay out fence lines
• dig fence post holes and position posts
• fill the holes with concrete or soil
• cut and construct fences with boards, wire, chain links, posts or other materials
• put together gates and hang them in position
• build barriers, security fences, retaining walls, vineyard trellises, and other types of fences and walls
• run their own businesses.

Fencers need to have:

• knowledge of fencing materials, fencing designs and styles
• knowledge of costing methods and business management
• knowledge of safe methods of work
• knowledge of how to use power tools and machinery
• practical skills for putting together fences and digging holes
• basic maths skills
• organisational skills.

Fencers need to be:

• honest
• quick and efficient
• able to follow instructions.

An eye for detail is also important.

Fencers need to have excellent fitness and health, and must be strong. A lot of lifting and moving may be required on some fencing contracts.

There are no specific requirements to become a fencer, but a National Certificate in Fencing is recommended. Some employers may offer apprenticeships so that you can earn a certificate while working.

Skills are mainly gained on the job, on short courses, and through fencing competitions such as the Golden Pliers.

Fencing contractors may choose to be members of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand, and seek registration.

Association members can buy discounted fencing products through buying groups and use the association's logo in their advertising once registered. Registration is seen as a way to attract staff and lift standards in the occupation.

Useful experience for fencers includes:

• labouring
• building and construction work
• farming
• work with hand tools or welding equipment.

Many fencers start their career as casual labourers on fencing crews as a way of getting experience.

Equipment fencers may use includes:

• fencing materials such as timber posts and fencing wire
• chainsaws and other power tools
• hand tools
• cars, trucks, vans and utes
• tractors and pile drivers.

Fencers' hours vary depending on what type of contracts they are working on, and the weather. Some contracts may require them to work long hours and weekends.

Most fencers work between 35 and 50 hours a week.

Fencers work independently or in small teams. They may have contact with:

• farmers and homeowners
• farm staff
• building and landscape contractors
• fencing supply merchants.

Pay for fencers varies depending on skills and experience:

• A new entrant earns between the minimum wage and $16 an hour.
• Experienced staff could earn between $16 and $20 an hour.
• Supervisors of fencing teams could expect wages of between $22 and $25 an hour. 

Fencing contractors can earn significantly more.

Source: Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand.

Fencers can progress to supervisory roles or become self-employed fencing contractors.

Fencers are in demand and the chances of getting a job are good. Many employers are keen to train beginners with little or no experience, and help them get qualifications.

Demand for fencers has risen partly because of the large number of sheep and beef farms that have been converted to more profitable dairy units. Fences on dairy farms have a different layout from other types of farms. Hundreds of farms are still being converted to dairy units each year, especially in the South Island.

The number of fencers working in New Zealand rose by almost 40% between 2001 and 2006.
 

Number of fencers in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)

Census	Number of fencers
1996	1,158
2001	1,440
2006	1,995
Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool.

Most fencers are employed by fencing contractors, whose clients may include:

• farmers
• grape and fruit growers
• home and property owners
• building and construction firms.

Some fencers are self-employed.

Fencers work throughout New Zealand, but the regions with the highest numbers are:

• Wairarapa and Manawatu (21% of fencers)
• Auckland and Northland (20%)
• Waikato (18%).

The Agriculture Industry Training Organisation is considering adding a level to the National Certificate in Fencing. Currently it ends at Level 3. The proposed Level 4 qualification would focus on the business skills needed to be a contractor, and advanced fencing techniques.

It is hoped the higher qualification will improve career advancement opportunities within the job. 

Career Services also refers to a variety of written articles and reports, and talks to relevant groups, such as government agencies, industry organisations, professional bodies, industry training organisations, training providers and employers, when researching and writing this information.

Most people only see wires and posts when they look at a farm fence, but Manawatu fencer Allan McLean sees a lot more.

For Allan, erecting a good, stable, visually appealing fence is a craft – a mix of sweat and skill. "There's a huge difference between a good-looking fence and a bad one. It's to do with how it flows with the contour of the land. If it's all jagged and up and down, it doesn't actually look that good to the eye," he says.

So how do you learn the skills to become a good fencer? "You have to know both the theory and practical side of fencing. Books or courses are available to explain the theories and the technical terms. Like, if you are on hill country, you need to foot a post [attach a length of wood to bottom of post to prevent it lifting out of the ground] and learn how to hold strainers [larger posts at the end of fencelines] in the ground, so there's quite a bit to it. When it comes to the practical side, it'll take a decent month or so to learn how to work with the wire."

Allan found it easier because he is from a farming background, and fencing was one of the skills taught at a year-long sheep and beef course he did at the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. "Plus my brother is a fencer and I worked for him for two years before I started my own business, Fenceworks, six years ago.

"I think the main attributes you need to start fencing are a keenness to do the work and an ability to learn quickly. You also need to be someone who doesn't mind getting the odd blister."

Those blisters pop up because the work can be hard and physical. "You get conditioned, but it can be exhausting carrying posts up a hill, or when you come across some rock in a post hole you're digging and you have to use a crowbar. That can take it out of you."

But that feeling of physical exhaustion is one of the things Allan likes about fencing. "I enjoy having a good workout, when you feel like you really deserve that cold beer at the end of the day. And I love being outdoors. Especially on one of those cracker days – you're out in the middle of the countryside most people only drive past, and there's just you. It can be very tranquil."   

"You are outside everyday in this work, and that's something I like. Also we get the chance to work in many different locations, especially if we are working on a number of smaller projects."

Steve Kirk did a butcher's apprenticeship, but decided that what he really wanted to do was to work outside. He initially did contract drainlaying, concreting, and other work for local councils, private customers and companies. His decision to get into fencing came when his company did the fencing and driveways for an entire street of houses that were being built.

"Our fencing work can include anything from barriers to retaining walls and everything in between. We're able to do almost any type of fence, be it three-metre chainlink fences, dog runs, picket fencing and farm fencing."

Steve employs two people full-time (one of whom is a trained carpenter), and a number of others part-time. He also employs other people on a casual basis when he has bigger projects to work on. "I look for people who have the right attitude for this work. They need to enjoy working outside, be able to handle physical work, and have the ability to work by themselves. I also try and hire people who'll think about the clients, and will clean up after themselves. It's really important to take all the off cuts and rubbish away with us.

"It's really important if you're managing a company to be able to talk with your clients, and help them figure out what sort of fence they need, and how much it will cost them. You also need to be diligent in your work, and you've got to do your best for the client."

Mark Turton is a qualified electrician, and got involved in fencing through his family's hardware, timber and fencepost yard. "My father used to be a fencer, and I learnt the skills from him. I've also done a number of fencing courses. We've entered a few fencing competitions, which have been a lot of fun. They sharpen up your skills no end because if you're not on the ball you'll be penalised."

Mark started off by doing a one-off fencing job and pretty soon was fencing full-time. "I went from employing one person to employing five others and running two fencing crews. I've been working in this job for about 12 years now, and I'm still employing two crews.

"We construct all types of fencing. Some of the fences we can do include security fencing, residential fences, deer fencing, and of course conventional farm fencing and electric fencing.

"I enjoy the fact that we get to work outside. It's not so nice when the weather is bad, but if you can handle those days it's a great job. What makes a good fencer? Someone who is particular in what they do, takes pride in their work, and enjoys being outside."

Most people only see wires and posts when they look at a farm fence, but Manawatu fencer Allan McLean sees a lot more.

For Allan, erecting a good, stable, visually appealing fence is a craft – a mix of sweat and skill. "There's a huge difference between a good-looking fence and a bad one. It's to do with how it flows with the contour of the land. If it's all jagged and up and down, it doesn't actually look that good to the eye," he says.

So how do you learn the skills to become a good fencer? "You have to know both the theory and practical side of fencing. Books or courses are available to explain the theories and the technical terms. Like, if you are on hill country, you need to foot a post [attach a length of wood to bottom of post to prevent it lifting out of the ground] and learn how to hold strainers [larger posts at the end of fencelines] in the ground, so there's quite a bit to it. When it comes to the practical side, it'll take a decent month or so to learn how to work with the wire."

Allan found it easier because he is from a farming background, and fencing was one of the skills taught at a year-long sheep and beef course he did at the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. "Plus my brother is a fencer and I worked for him for two years before I started my own business, Fenceworks, six years ago.

"I think the main attributes you need to start fencing are a keenness to do the work and an ability to learn quickly. You also need to be someone who doesn't mind getting the odd blister."

Those blisters pop up because the work can be hard and physical. "You get conditioned, but it can be exhausting carrying posts up a hill, or when you come across some rock in a post hole you're digging and you have to use a crowbar. That can take it out of you."

But that feeling of physical exhaustion is one of the things Allan likes about fencing. "I enjoy having a good workout, when you feel like you really deserve that cold beer at the end of the day. And I love being outdoors. Especially on one of those cracker days – you're out in the middle of the countryside most people only drive past, and there's just you. It can be very tranquil."   

"You are outside everyday in this work, and that's something I like. Also we get the chance to work in many different locations, especially if we are working on a number of smaller projects."

Steve Kirk did a butcher's apprenticeship, but decided that what he really wanted to do was to work outside. He initially did contract drainlaying, concreting, and other work for local councils, private customers and companies. His decision to get into fencing came when his company did the fencing and driveways for an entire street of houses that were being built.

"Our fencing work can include anything from barriers to retaining walls and everything in between. We're able to do almost any type of fence, be it three-metre chainlink fences, dog runs, picket fencing and farm fencing."

Steve employs two people full-time (one of whom is a trained carpenter), and a number of others part-time. He also employs other people on a casual basis when he has bigger projects to work on. "I look for people who have the right attitude for this work. They need to enjoy working outside, be able to handle physical work, and have the ability to work by themselves. I also try and hire people who'll think about the clients, and will clean up after themselves. It's really important to take all the off cuts and rubbish away with us.

"It's really important if you're managing a company to be able to talk with your clients, and help them figure out what sort of fence they need, and how much it will cost them. You also need to be diligent in your work, and you've got to do your best for the client."

Mark Turton is a qualified electrician, and got involved in fencing through his family's hardware, timber and fencepost yard. "My father used to be a fencer, and I learnt the skills from him. I've also done a number of fencing courses. We've entered a few fencing competitions, which have been a lot of fun. They sharpen up your skills no end because if you're not on the ball you'll be penalised."

Mark started off by doing a one-off fencing job and pretty soon was fencing full-time. "I went from employing one person to employing five others and running two fencing crews. I've been working in this job for about 12 years now, and I'm still employing two crews.

"We construct all types of fencing. Some of the fences we can do include security fencing, residential fences, deer fencing, and of course conventional farm fencing and electric fencing.

"I enjoy the fact that we get to work outside. It's not so nice when the weather is bad, but if you can handle those days it's a great job. What makes a good fencer? Someone who is particular in what they do, takes pride in their work, and enjoys being outside."