Senior Assistant - Rotherham North Canterbury

$62,000 - $68,000 yearly

Job Description

Senior Assistant

Location: Rotherham, North Canterbury

About Us

Our 110ha fully pivot-irrigated farm milks 345 peak cows through a 32-aside herringbone with ACRs and manual teat spraying and newly added in shed feeding. We are a high-production, low-SCC operation with a strong focus on animal welfare and farm presentation. Cows are wintered on our run-off block just 2km away, providing a well-managed and efficient system year-round.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated, and reliable Senior Assistant to join our team and help drive the daily performance of the farm.

The Role

As a Senior Assistant, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operations. You will work closely with the Farm Manager and Owner, taking on responsibilities to help run the shed and farm when the manager is rostered off.

Location & Lifestyle

• Excellent primary school within a 10-minute walk - Area school accessible via a short bus ride
• Hanmer Springs – 30 minutes
• Mt Lyford ski field – 40 minutes

Key Responsibilities

  • Milking & Shed Hygiene: Help maintain our grade-free status and low SCC throughout the season.
  • Stock Management: Monitoring herd health, identifying and treating lame cows or mastitis, and assisting with calving and mating programs.
  • Feed & Pasture Management: Following the feed plan, break-fencing, and monitoring pasture residuals.
  • Machinery Operation: Safe operation of tractors, bikes, and feeding equipment.

About You

Ideally, you have 2–3 years of experience in the NZ dairy industry and are looking to take the next step in your career.

  • Strong communication skills and a positive, "can-do" attitude.
  • Competent and quiet with stock handling and animal health.
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently when required.
  • Valid driver’s license (and must be legally entitled to work in NZ).
  • Pride in your work and a sharp eye for detail.

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive Salary: Remuneration negotiable based on experience
  • Accommodation: A tidy, comfortable 2 bedroom house with a garage and heat pump
  • Great Culture: A supportive, safe, and professional working environment.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for further training and development for the right candidate.

To Apply

If you are ready for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you! Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience via email only [email protected]

Farm Size (ha)

110

Peak Herd Size (cows)

345

Typical On-farm Staff

2-3

Position Start Date

01/08/2026

Accommodation available

2 bedroom with garage and heat pump

Hour Type

week

Average Hours Per week

50

Roster

By negotiation

Remuneration paid by

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