DAIRY FARM FEED & EFFLUENT OPERATOR
Near Arapuni | Approximately 1,200 Cows | Predominantly Autumn Calving
We are looking for a reliable, practical and experienced farm worker to join our team on a large, predominantly autumn-calving dairy farm near Arapuni, milking approximately 1,200 cows.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys operating machinery, takes pride in doing a job well and is capable of working independently.
The Role
The primary focus of this position is tractor operation, feeding and effluent management. You will be responsible for ensuring feed is delivered accurately and on time, twice a day, to cows on the feed pads and in the herd homes. You will also take ownership of the day-to-day operation and management of the farm's effluent system.
Key Responsibilities
Tractor & Feeding
• Operate tractors, loaders and feed-out machinery safely and efficiently.
• Feed cows twice daily on feed pads and in herd homes.
• Feed out silage, baleage, maize, PKE and other supplementary feeds as required.
• Follow the farm's daily feeding plan and instructions from the Farm Manager.
• Ensure feed is distributed accurately, consistently and on time.
• Monitor feed quality and report any concerns.
• Carry out daily machinery checks and report maintenance requirements.
• Keep tractors, loaders, feed-out machinery and feeding areas clean and well maintained.
Effluent Management
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the farm's effluent system.
• Monitor ponds, sumps, pumps, stirrers and irrigation equipment.
• Ensure sufficient effluent storage capacity is maintained.
• Apply effluent in accordance with the farm's consent requirements and environmental procedures.
• Identify and report leaks, blockages, equipment failures or other potential environmental issues.
• Maintain appropriate effluent application and system records.
• Keep effluent infrastructure clean, tidy and operating effectively.
Cows, Calves & Milking
While feeding, tractor operation and effluent management are the core responsibilities, there will be times when you will be expected to support the wider farm team.
• Helping get cows and calves in during the autumn calving period.
• Assisting with milking when required.
• Helping with stock movements and general animal handling when needed.
These duties are supporting responsibilities and are not the main focus of the position.
About You
• Has good tractor and machinery operating skills.
• Is experienced with, or keen to develop their skills in, dairy farm feeding systems.
• Is reliable and turns up ready to work.
• Can work independently and take responsibility for their area of the farm.
• Is mechanically minded and takes care of machinery.
• Has a good eye for detail.
• Understands the importance of accurate and timely feeding.
• Is proactive about effluent management and environmental compliance.
• Is willing to help the wider team when required.
• Has a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Previous dairy farming experience is preferred, and experience operating feed-out machinery and managing effluent systems would be an advantage.