Intermediate Farm Assistant – Family Friendly/Couple Opportunity

We are looking for an Intermediate Farm Assistant to join our team on a well-established dairy farm located 10 minutes south of Ashburton.

This role is ideally suited to someone with a minimum of 3 years’ dairy farming experience, who is confident in day-to-day farm operations and keen to continue developing their skills.

What makes this role a little different is that there could be the ability for the partner to also work on the farm.  Our roster works particularly well for a couple or family situation where both parents wish to work. Our roster and shift structure means that one parent can generally be home before and after school each day, making it easier to balance family commitments alongside work.

For families with younger, pre-school-aged children, we are happy to have a discussion with suitable applicants about how this could practically work.

About the Role

You will be involved in all aspects of farm work, with key responsibilities including:

• Milking (must be confident milking unsupervised)
• Identifying and treating mastitis
• Tractor driving and feeding out
• Assisting with animal health, including detecting and managing lameness
• General farm duties and maintenance

We’re looking for someone who is reliable, practical, and eager to keep learning and improving.

About the Farm

• 950 cows
• 54-bail rotary shed with automatic cup removers and in-shed feeding
• Located within the Longbeach School zone (school bus to the gate), and close to Hinds School
• We have an experienced, down-to-earth Kiwi team, all with families, who value a good work-life balance and take pride in doing the job properly

Roster & Hours

• 40 hours per week (we aim to stick as close to this as possible year-round)
• Roster: 8 days on, 2 days off / 8 days on, 3 days off
• Typical shifts:
  • 4:30am – 1:30pm
  • 5:30am – 2:30pm
  • 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Around four late starts (9am) per 8-day rotation
• Some flexibility is required due to the nature of farming
• Roster remains consistent through calving

This roster provides excellent work-life balance and has worked particularly well for staff with families.

Accommodation

A tidy three-bedroom home is available with this position.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 3 years dairy farming experience
• Confident milking independently
• Tractor and feeding out experience
• Good stock sense and attention to animal health
• Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team
• Someone who genuinely enjoys the farming lifestyle

We value people who are practical, take initiative, and can get on with the job without needing constant direction.

Important Requirements

• Must already be located in New Zealand
• Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand (we are not accredited employers)

Remuneration

Competitive and based on experience and skill level.

Start Date

Flexible for the right person.

If you're looking for a role on a well-run farm with a great team, a fair roster, and an environment that genuinely supports family life, we'd love to hear from you.

Please include a brief cover letter with your application so we can get to know you a little better.