HERD MANAGER – TARRAS, CENTRAL OTAGO

Job Description

We are looking for a good Herd Manager to join our team in Tarras Central Otago.

We are in our first season on a brand new 1,500 cow conversion, milking through a new 80 bail Waikato rotary. The shed has Protrack, in-shed feeding, cow collars, Auto Smart Wash and really good cow flow.

The farm is 500ha, fully irrigated with 8 centre pivots and fixed grid on the corners. It is split into 3 main blocks, with a herd based on each block.

This is not a role where you are just helping run the farm. You will be responsible for your own herd and will have a big part to play in pasture management, animal health, mating and the day-to-day running and performance of that herd.

We are looking for someone who is confident with cows, knows their pasture management and animal health, can work on their own initiative and takes pride in doing a good job. An experienced Herd Manager would be ideal, but we would also consider an Assistant Herd Manager who is ready to take the next step.

The accommodation is a brand new 2-bedroom house with a log burner and heat pump, set up elevated with amazing Central Otago views.

The location is hard to beat — Tarras is only around 25 minutes from both Cromwell and Wanaka, and about an hour from Queenstown.

We need someone ASAP, so you must currently be in New Zealand and be available to start soon.

If you are from overseas, you will need to already have NZ residency, an open work visa or unrestricted work rights in New Zealand. We are not able to offer offshore sponsorship for this position.

If this sounds like you, get in touch with your CV and a bit about yourself.

Farm Size (ha)

500

Peak Herd Size (cows)

1500

Typical On-farm Staff

6

Position Start Date

20/09/2026

Accommodation available

yes

Hour Type

week

Average Hours Per week

55

Roster

Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off

Remuneration paid by

By Negotiation

Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)

competitive salary package