Job Description

Dairy Herd Manager – Full Time, Permanent

We’re seeking a Dairy Herd Manager to join our team on a 450-cow irrigated farm just north of Hunterville, in the Rangitīkei district. This is a full-time, permanent role on an 5 on, 2 off, 6 on 1 off roster.

You’ll be based in a well-managed herringbone shed, working as part of a larger, coordinated operation with another nearby 450-cow property. The role focuses on daily milking, herd health, reproduction, and pasture management, with responsibility for guiding junior staff and keeping accurate records.

If you have a passion for stock work, an eye for detail, and want to grow your career on a well-run, progressive farm, we’d like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage daily milking routines and maintain plant hygiene

  • Monitor and treat animal health issues such as mastitis and lameness

  • Assist with calving, mating, and young stock development

  • Assist in feed allocation and pasture monitoring using farm walk data

  • Maintain accurate records for health, reproduction, and SCC

  • Assist in training and suupervising farm assistants

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental plans

  • Support general farm maintenance and development tasks

Ideal Candidate:

  • At least 3 years’ experience in dairy farming

  • Relevant qualification preferred but not necessary

  • Confident handling livestock and operating farm machinery

  • Familiar with mating, calving, and animal health routines

  • Able to supervise others and work independently

  • Proactive and committed to producing high-quality milk

Applications received via email only. Applicants will only be considered if they are already living in NZ. Please include your CV and at least two recent referees to [email protected]. Drug testing and police checks may be required. 

Farm Size (ha)

180

Peak Herd Size (cows)

450

Typical On-farm Staff

2.5

Position Start Date

01/06/2026

Accommodation available

House available on farm

Hour Type

season

Average Hours Per week

90

Roster

Double rotation - 6 Days on / 1 day Off - 5 Days on / 2 days Off

Remuneration paid by

Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

$80,000 - 90,000