Located near Ashburton, we run a farm for a company that cares about people and animals, they have high expectations and want to see people strive to be the best they can. We assist in keeping budgets low and this is carried over to staff to help us to achieve goals from the top down. Without like-minded people who have a strong work ethic and a caring nature, we wouldn't be able to do the job we do. We love to see our staff grow and evolve into higher positions on farm, we are more than happy to guide and teach you what you need to know to progress your dairy career further. "The sky is the limit"
Farm Operations & Team Supervision
- Take responsibility for daily tasks such as milking operations, feeding routines, irrigation scheduling, and general dairy operations.
- Work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative to solve problems and improve efficiency.
- Supervise and support junior staff, offering training and guidance on farm routines and best practices.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to the ongoing success and productivity of the farm.
Animal Health & Milking Practices
- Implement efficient and hygienic milking procedures, ensuring milk quality and animal welfare.
- Diagnose and treat common health issues such as mastitis and lameness.
- Record health treatments accurately and assist with milk quality problem-solving.
- Take part in calving management, including observing and recording calf-to-dam data and ensuring proper care of newborns.
Pasture, Feed & Nutrient Management
- Assist in planning and implementing pasture, crop and supplement use to optimise animal nutrition and farm productivity.
- Putting up and taking down break fences
- Operate Tractors and other machinery to cut grass, bale silage, harvest crops, and feed out with a wagon
- Monitor and manage the use of effluent, water, and nutrients in line with environmental standards and regional council regulations.
Compliance, Safety & Reporting
- Adhere to on-farm Health, Safety & Wellbeing policies. Identify hazards, report incidents, and uphold biosecurity protocols.
- Safely operate and maintain farm vehicles and equipment according to farm policy.
- Understand and help implement farm financial and production goals.
- Collect and report relevant data, contribute to budgeting discussions where appropriate, and implement farm policy to meet set objectives.
- Demonstrate clear communication and reporting skills, keeping open channels between team members and farm management.
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience which may include working with machinery,
OR
- A New Zealand Level 4 Certificate in Agriculture (or an overseas equivalent).
In addition, the ideal candidate will have:
- Experience working in New Zealand farming systems
- Proven ability to operate agricultural machinery, especially tractors
- Confident riding a 2-wheeler motorbike
- A full New Zealand driver’s licence or a valid overseas driving licence
- Comfortable on-farm accommodation: A 3 bedroom house is available on the farm, with numerous outside sheds/garages
- A genuine opportunity to progress your career in the dairy industry
- Roster: 7 Days on / 3 days Off - 8 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 1 days Off
- Hours: Minimum 30 to 45 hours per week (depending on the time of the season).
- Salary : Based on experience — starting from $62,000 and increasing up to $74.000.
MUST BE IN NEW ZEALAND WITH THE ABILITY TO WORK.
Katoa Dairy is located 25km from a busy town (Ashburton) we milk 730 jersey/kiwi cross cows at peak. The herd is quiet, good milkers and well adapted to people. They mostly walk themselves to the dairy shed once the gate is opened for them, with us fetching the stragglers. They are used to consistency and their daily routine, they don't like loud people and we expect staff to be quiet around them and not be yelling and waving their hands around. The company has a well known name in the district and they strive to improve, be efficiently sustainable and cost effective, preparing and maintaining a close balance on budgets.