Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and motivated 2IC to join our team on a well-established 680 cow dairy farm.

This is a key leadership position for someone who wants to take on genuine responsibility and be part of the day-to-day management of a large dairy operation.

The Role

Working closely with the owner, you will play an important role in the day-to-day running of the farm.

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting the owner with the overall day-to-day operation of the farm

Helping lead and organise the farm team

Taking responsibility for the farm when the owner is away

Herd management, animal health and welfare

Milking and maintaining high standards of milk quality and shed hygiene

Calving, mating and reproduction management

Pasture, grazing and supplementary feed management

Monitoring herd performance and identifying issues early

Tractor, machinery and general farm maintenance

Effluent management

Maintaining high standards of farm presentation, health and safety and animal welfare

Helping develop and improve farm systems and procedures

Working alongside the owner to achieve production and financial targets

This is a hands-on role. We are looking for someone who is happy to get stuck in, lead by example and take ownership of their responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Has solid New Zealand dairy farming experience

Has previous 2IC, Herd Manager or senior dairy farming experience

Is confident working with a large herd

Has strong animal health and stockmanship skills

Can confidently run a dairy shed and maintain milk quality standards

Has good pasture and feed management knowledge

Is competent operating tractors and farm machinery

Has good communication and people-management skills

Is organised, reliable and takes pride in their work

Can work independently and make good decisions

Is comfortable taking charge when required

Has a positive attitude and wants to be part of a strong team

Holds a current NZ driver’s licence

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who takes responsibility, sees what needs doing and gets it done.

What We Offer

On-farm accommodation provided

A genuine leadership position on a 680 cow operation

The opportunity to work closely with the owner

A role with plenty of scope to contribute ideas and improve the business

A supportive and professional working environment

Opportunity for further career development

About the Business

Bavin Dairies is a dairy business with a strong focus on people, animal welfare, production, farm systems and continual improvement.

We are looking for someone who wants more than simply turning up to work — someone who wants to become an important part of the operation and help us continue to grow.

If you are an experienced dairy farmer ready to take the next step and want genuine responsibility on a large-scale dairy farm, we’d like to hear from you.

Please send through your CV and a brief introduction outlining your experience and why you are interested in the position.



Farm Size (ha)

252

Peak Herd Size (cows)

680

Typical On-farm Staff

4

Position Start Date

16/10/2026

Accommodation available

A 3 bedroom house is available

Hour Type

week

Average Hours Per week

45

Roster

Single rotation - 11 Days on / 3 days Off

Remuneration paid by

By Negotiation