Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.
Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.
Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.
About us | He kupu mō mātou
At Fonterra, our strength lies in our commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. The Nutrient Management team within Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory is dedicated to the sustainable management of nutrients from Fonterra’s manufacturing sites across New Zealand. We manage 29 Fonterra-owned farms, focusing on the management, sale, transportation, and spreading of nutrient-dense streams. Our vision is to achieve sustainable nutrient management on farms, adhering to Fonterra’s Global Sustainability standards and guidelines, while maximizing the value of nutrients and secondary products.
Darfield Farm, located just five minutes northwest of the Darfield township in the thriving Selwyn District, is seeking a passionate Assistant Farm Manager to join the Fonterra South Island Farm Team. Darfield Farm spans 950 hectares over two blocks, with 675 hectares irrigated by ten Valley pivots.
Darfield Farm is renowned for exporting high-quality pasture to supply Fonterra Shareholders via a cut carry system undertaken by local contractors. Lamb grazing complements the system over periods when pasture harvest is not feasible, along with a small amount of school calves. The Darfield Farm employs three full-time staff that are responsible for the day to day running of the farm and ensuring the health and safety processes are at the highest of standards.
About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
As the Assistant Farm Manager you will play a key role in supporting the Farm Manager in achieving a successful and sustainable farming operation whilst supporting our local manufacturing site by managing wastewater and high-strength nutrients on the farm. Your contribution will help ensure future fit farming operations that deliver real results. This is an opportunity to grow your career and develop your skills in one of Fonterra's largest farming portfolios. When the Farm Manager is off farm, you will take charge, managing daily operations and contractor and stakeholder relations.
Your responsibilities include supporting and motivating your team members, handling general farm maintenance tasks and safely operating a wide range of farm machinery. You will provide input into business planning for capital replacement plans and budgets and help ensure the effective management of significant assets within the farm's portfolio. You will help support the Farm Manager to engage local contractors and rural service professionals for services. Your contribution will be essential in managing the farm’s environmental performance and supporting Fonterra’s Darfield Manufacturing site.
About You | Mōu
To be successful in this role, you will bring at least two years of hands-on farming experience and demonstrate confidence in performing a wide range of agricultural activities safely and efficiently. As a proactive self-starter, you will have strong skills in stock, pasture, and people management.
We are looking for candidates who possess:
This is a permanent role where you will be working an average of 50 hours per week. The successful applicant will be provided the option of accommodation on farm in a three-bedroom house.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape one of Fonterra’s largest farming portfolios, driving sustainable practices and innovation. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of nutrient management and contribute to Fonterra’s global sustainability goals.
Fonterra's Pahiatua Farms are located 5 minutes either side of the Pahiatua township and approximately 35 minutes from Palmerston North.
Tui Farm is 170ha milking through a 30ASHB Once-A-Day.
O'Brien Farm is 144ha milking through a 40ASHB with ACR’s Once-A-Day.
There is the potential to be based at either farm, depending on team fit with some cross over between the two farms teams.
We also have a small 20ha support block where we rear our calves and winter our heifers.
This position would be best suited to a couple (although not essential), as there is also casual work available. This would include a variety of duties, including but not limited to relief milking, calf rearing, spraying, weighing and drenching young stock etc.