480–500 cows | 28-bale rotary | Excellent accommodation | Salary negotiable
We are looking for an experienced and capable Farm Assistant / 2IC to join our team on our Sherry River dairy farm near Tapawera, Tasman.
Milking approximately 480–500 cows through a 28-bale rotary, this is a hands-on position working alongside our Farm Manager and his partner.
This is not an entry-level farm assistant position. We are looking for someone with solid dairy farming experience who is confident carrying out day-to-day farm operations and has the practical ability and judgement to step up and competently operate the farm in the Farm Manager's absence.
The successful applicant will be involved across the day-to-day operation of the farm, including:
Milking and general dairy shed duties
Confident and competent tractor operation
Feeding out and feed management
Fertiliser spreading
Setting up and operating farm machinery safely
Moving and handling stock calmly and efficiently
Identifying sick, injured and lame cows
Drafting cows accurately for treatment or monitoring
Recognising animal health issues and communicating these promptly
Assisting with animal health treatments in accordance with farm procedures
Break fencing and general pasture management
General farm maintenance and upkeep
Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness around the farm, machinery and dairy
Following farm Health & Safety, environmental and animal-welfare procedures
Taking responsibility for routine farm operations when the Farm Manager is away
We aren't looking for someone who simply turns up and waits to be given every job. We need someone experienced enough to see what needs doing, communicate well and get on with the job safely and competently.
The right person will have proven New Zealand dairy farming experience and, importantly, a good attitude.
You will need to be:
Experienced and confident operating tractors and farm machinery
Competent feeding out
Competent spreading fertiliser
Confident working with a 480–500 cow herd
Able to identify lame, sick or otherwise unwell cows
Confident drafting and handling stock
Able to work independently when required
Capable of taking responsibility for day-to-day operations in the manager's absence
Reliable and willing to take ownership of your work
Safety conscious
A clear communicator
Friendly and easy to work alongside
Above all, honesty and attitude are extremely important to us.
We want someone who communicates openly, treats other people with respect, takes pride in their work and contributes positively to the team. We would much rather employ someone with a great attitude who genuinely cares about the farm and stock than someone with an impressive CV who doesn't work well with others.
There is the possibility of relief milking work for the successful applicant's partner, depending on their experience and suitability.
This could make the position particularly attractive to a couple where one person is seeking a permanent senior farm role and the other would like some flexible relief work.
Excellent on-farm accommodation is available.
The property is a beautiful modern three-bedroom home featuring:
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Office
2 living areas
Double garage
Separate modern three-bay shed, providing excellent additional storage for boats, vehicles, outdoor equipment, etc.
We consider the quality of the accommodation a genuine benefit of this position and want the successful applicant and their family to be comfortable living on farm.
Salary is negotiable and will reflect the successful applicant's experience, capability and level of responsibility they can confidently take on.
We are prepared to recognise and pay appropriately for someone who brings strong practical skills, reliability and the ability to step up when required.
Applicants must:
Have relevant dairy farming experience
Be legally entitled to work in New Zealand
Provide at least two suitable employment references
Be willing to complete a pre-employment drug test
Hold an appropriate driver's licence for the requirements of the position
We are looking for someone who wants to become a trusted and valued part of the farm team rather than simply fill a position.
If you're an experienced dairy farmer who enjoys practical farm work, takes pride in doing things properly and wants a role where your skills and experience will be valued, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply:
Please send through your CV, a brief introduction about yourself and your farming experience, and contact details for at least two referees.