Dairy Cattle Herd Manager

$35.00 - $37.00 hourly

Job Description

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Herd Manager to join our dairy farming operation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to take responsibility and play a key role in the day-to-day management of a large-scale dairy farm. You will work closely with the Contract Milker to ensure smooth and efficient farm operations.

Farm Details:

  • Milking approximately 1,200 cows at peak

  • 60-bale rotary shed 

  • Rolling contour farm

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with and take responsibility for daily farm operations, including:

    • Milking twice daily (most of the year)

    • Animal health and welfare (monitoring, treatments, recording, and prevention)

    • Calf rearing (feeding, health checks, and general care)

    • Feeding stock (Competent driving tractor on hills)

    • Effluent management (operating and maintaining effluent systems)

    • Fencing and weed control (general farm maintenance)

  • Identify sick or injured animals and take appropriate action

  • Maintain farm records on (Minda or Trev)  and follow farm compliance requirements

  • Assist with staff supervision and training when required

  • Follow and promote health & safety procedures at all times

Requirements (Must Have):

  • Minimum 1 years of New Zealand dairy farming experience

  • Good understanding of:

    • Daily herd management , milking systems and shed management

    • Animal health and welfare standards 

    • Recording and maintaining herd data using Minda.
    • Pasture and feed management include supplement Feeding.

    • Effluent and environmental compliance

    • Implementation of farm health & safety procedure.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team

  • Physically fit and reliable

  • Please submit your cover letter and CV including 2 references at least. Application without CV and references will not be contacted 
  • Must be living in New Zealand

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary based on experience

  • Stable, long-term employment

  • Career growth opportunities

  • Supportive working environment on a well-run, large-scale dairy farm

Farm Policies:

  • Drug-Free Workplace: Pr-employment and random drug test. 
  • No smoking or vaping on the farm and accommodation
  • No pets allowed on farm and accomodation
  • No Criminal Record.

Pay Rate: $33.56 - $35

How to Apply:

  • Applications must be submitted via our website (no direct email or phone)
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Farm Size (ha)

380

Peak Herd Size (cows)

1200

Typical On-farm Staff

4 full time and 1 Part time

Position Start Date

01/03/2027

Accommodation available

On - farm Accommodation available (Shared, well - maintained)

Hour Type

week

Average Hours Per week

30

Roster

Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off

Remuneration paid by

Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly