Dairy Herd Manager

We have a position available for Dairy Herd Manager role on our 1100-cow farm. The position is based in Mokoreta area in New Zealand.

This is full-time, permanent position guaranteeing at least 30 hours of work per week, but you will usually work between 30 to 40 hours per week. The pay rate is $26 per hour.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees core aspects of daily farm operations, including the management of the dairy shed (milking), and may be responsible for animal health and other assigned duties.
• Takes ownership of daily routines such as milking, effluent handling, and feeding, ensuring they are carried out efficiently.
• Works independently and is capable of supervising and training other team members.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance productivity and contribute to the success of the farm.
• Applies efficient milking techniques and maintains high standards of hygiene across the dairy operation. Accurately records animal health treatments and resolves milk quality issues.
• Identifies and treats common animal health issues. Proficient in all aspects of calving and reproduction, including heat detection and recording.
• Understands and complies with environmental regulations related to nutrient, effluent, and water management, ensuring optimal use of resources.
• Implements best practices in pasture, crop, and feed supplement management to maximise quality and usage.
• Trains junior staff in basic farming skills and demonstrates strong communication and reporting abilities.
• Operates and maintains farm vehicles safely, in accordance with on-farm policies.
• Promotes a strong health, safety, and wellbeing culture by recording incidents and identifying farm hazards and biosecurity risks.
• Has a sound understanding of the farm’s financial systems and may contribute to budgeting when required.
• Understands relevant KPIs and business goals, applies farm policies to achieve them, and collects and reports essential operational data.

Requirements:

Tertiary qualification (Level 4 or higher), ideally in dairy, but will also consider qualifications in management/business/administration/leadership or another field, or

At least 2.5 to 3 years' experience in the dairy farm industry, with excellent knowledge of dairy farm framework (knowledge will be extensively tested at interview)

Intricate knowledge of workplace safety standards. (Knowledge will be extensively tested at interview)

Ability to communicate effectively to a multi-cultural team and other management.

Applicants should be reliable, enthusiastic, honest, proactive and working. Be physically fit and can-do attitude.

A Cover Letter & current CV with two work references is required.

The farm maintains a drug & smoke free environment. Candidate will must go through drug test at nearest medical centre. Pets & smoking is strongly prohibited. No criminal history.

PLEASE NOTE: ACCOMODATION IS SHARED at Farmhouse