Dairy Farm Assistant or Herd Manager

Are you looking for a role with a supportive team where you can grow and build your skills across all aspects of dairying?

We are looking for someone at either a farm assistant or herd manager level to fill our third role on farm. Ideally this is a permanent position, but we’re also open to a fixed-term role — for us, finding the right fit for our team matters more than anything. 

The Farm:

We milk 700 cows through a rotary shed with cup removers, drafting and datamars tags, and feed at a System 4. Milking is twice a day from calving through to mid–late January, then we move to 10 in 7.
Calves are fed on an ad lib system and are reared within the team, and we manage our own wintering on neighbouring land.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a positive attitude, good energy, and a team player
• Takes pride in their work and enjoys continual improvement
• Communicates well and is open to feedback
• Is happy to work within clear systems in a dynamic environment that calls for the ability to reprioritise and make decisions as you work
• Could be new to dairying - our current team is great, and will give you a great start into farming

What you’ll be doing:

This role covers a range of tasks depending on your experience, with plenty of room to grow. Once core day to day jobs are solid, we are happy to continue growing skills and responsibilities.

• Getting cows in, milking, and washing the shed/plant/vat
• Animal health work
• General farm maintenance
• Break fencing, tractor work, and irrigation
• Calving and calf rearing
• Wintering cows 

What We Offer:

• Fair pay (salary or hourly), minimum 30 hours/week if on hourly. Rate reflects experience, fit, and role level
• Fully furnished 3 bedroom cottage for accommodation (rent deducted), including Starlink internet and firewood. Currently this is shared for some parts of the year, but could become exclusive by negotiaion.
• A high-performing team environment with good systems, regular feedback and genuine opportunity to grow
• A great location between Ashburton and Methven. One hour to central Christchurch, and beautiful views

Some Extra Details:

• Start date ideally late September/early October, but flexible for the right person
• Preferably a permanent role, but open to fixed-term

Requirements:

• Must already be eligible to work in New Zealand
• Full driver’s licence and own transport
• Willing to work weekends
• Application to include a CV and cover letter
• Must be willing to complete an application form, provide references, and undergo a pre-employment drug test if required

If we shortlist you, you’ll hear from us within 2 working days with next steps and an application form.