Calf Rearing Team Lead

Fixed Term Calf Rearer

Job Description

Te tūranga | Your Role

Tūaropaki Trust is seeking a capable and passionate Calf Rearing Team Lead to manage our large-scale calf rearing operation in Mōkai, near Taupō, for the 2025 season. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on raising high-quality dairy-beef calves and dairy replacements in a safe, efficient, and welfare-focused environment.

You’ll lead a team of five, uphold high standards of animal care and hygiene, and work closely with our dairy and station teams to ensure smooth, well-resourced operations.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a team of five (including a Senior Calf Rearer and four Calf Rearers)
  • Responsible for rearing 1250 calves (900 beef and 450 dairy replacements)
  • Maintain excellent calf health and welfare aligned with our animal health programme
  • Implement and monitor health and safety protocols, including team inductions
  • Train seasonal staff on rearing practices, hygiene routines, and safe operations
  • Oversee milk mixing, feeding procedures, and shed/equipment cleanliness
  • Collaborate with the Station Manager and Dairy Production Leads to assess calf suitability
  • Work closely with station and dairy teams to coordinate logistics and support
  • Assist in recruiting the seasonal calf rearing team

 

What We’re Looking For

  • At least 3 years’ experience in a large-scale calf rearing operation (500+ calves)
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to train and manage a seasonal team
  • Sound knowledge of calf health, nutrition, hygiene, and welfare best practices
  • Confident decision-maker with excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Health and safety awareness with a commitment to safe work environments

 

Apply Now

To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to:
[email protected]
For more information, contact: Tom Warner – 022 196 7722

 

 

Farm Size (ha)

1900

Peak Herd Size (cows)

1250

Typical On-farm Staff

10

Position Start Date

07/07/2025

Hour Type

season

Average Hours Per week

40+

Roster

By negotiation

Remuneration paid by

Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly