Farm assistant/tractor driver taieri plains

$65,000 - $90,000 yearly

Job Description

Kerr Dairies – Taieri Plains, Otago

Kerr Dairies is seeking a motivated and reliable team member to join our dairy farming and contracting business.

This role offers genuine variety, combining dairy farming with contracting work throughout the year. We are looking for someone who enjoys being busy, takes pride in their work, and wants to be part of a team that values honesty, reliability, and getting the job done properly.

About Us

We operate a progressive dairy farm on the Taieri Plains alongside a growing contracting business. We believe in looking after our people, our animals, our equipment, and our customers.

The Role

Your duties may include:

Milking within a rostered milking system

Animal health and welfare

Feeding and pasture management

Calving and mating support

Tractor operation

Loader work

General farm maintenance

Fencing and repairs

Feeding out and silage operations

Seasonal contracting work

Machinery maintenance and cleaning

The role can be tailored somewhat to suit the successful applicant's experience and strengths.

Essential Requirements:

Previous dairy farming experience

Competent milker with experience working rostered shifts

Good stockmanship and commitment to animal welfare

Honest, reliable and punctual

Able to work unsupervised when required

Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Full NZ driver's licence

Ability to pass pre-employment drug testing preferred (but not essential)

Good tractor driving experience, multiple ability on different gear be a advantage

Loader experience

Class 2 Licence a plus

Class 4 Licence a bigger plus

Class 5 Licence the biggest plus

Experience towing trailers and operating agricultural machinery

Mechanical aptitude and ability to carry out routine maintenance

What We Offer

Competitive remuneration package based on experience

Modern tractors and machinery

Variety between farming and contracting work

Ongoing training and development opportunities

A supportive and practical working environment

Opportunities to grow your skills and responsibilities

Our Expectations:

We don't expect perfection, but we do expect:

Honesty, even when mistakes happen

Respect for animals, equipment and workmates

Good communication

Pride in workmanship

Machinery returned clean and looked after

A willingness to help where needed

If you're the type of person who sees a job that needs doing and gets stuck in, you'll fit in well here.

The Right Person

The ideal applicant will be someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a good sense of humour, can take responsibility for their work, and wants to be part of a business that is continually improving.

We value attitude just as highly as experience.

Farm Size (ha)

300

Peak Herd Size (cows)

920

Typical On-farm Staff

7

Position Start Date

30/06/2026

Accommodation available

Accommodation may be available to the right applicant

Hour Type

week

Average Hours Per week

50

Roster

Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off

Remuneration paid by

Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly