Dairy Farm Assistant

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Dairy Farm Assistant to join our dairy farming team in Fortrose, Southland. This is a full-time permanent position assisting with the day-to-day operation of the dairy farm.

The role involves hands-on work with livestock and a range of general dairy farming duties. The successful applicant will have a strong focus on animal welfare, milk quality, health and safety, and working effectively as part of the farm team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with milking cows and maintaining good milk quality and hygiene standards

• Bringing cows to and from the dairy shed

• Setting up, cleaning and maintaining the dairy shed and milking equipment

• Monitoring cows and young stock for signs of illness, injury, lameness or other health concerns

• Reporting animal health and welfare concerns to the farm manager

• Assisting with animal health treatments as directed

• Assisting with calving and caring for cows during the calving period

• Feeding and caring for calves

• Monitoring calf health and maintaining clean calf-rearing facilities and feeding equipment

• Moving and handling cows, calves and young stock safely and calmly

• Feeding out supplementary feed

• Setting up and shifting temporary electric fences

• Assisting with pasture allocation and grazing management as directed

• Checking stock water systems and troughs

• Operating farm vehicles and machinery once trained and authorised

• Assisting with cleaning and basic maintenance of farm equipment and facilities

• Assisting with effluent management

• Carrying out general farm and paddock maintenance

• Maintaining basic animal health and farm records where required

• Following all farm health and safety, animal welfare, environmental and biosecurity procedures

• Carrying out other general dairy farming duties as reasonably required

• Worked with Halter collars 

Skills and Attributes

• Previous dairy farming, farming or livestock experience preferred

• Good practical livestock-handling skills

• Willingness to learn and follow instructions

• Reliable, punctual and motivated

• Physically fit and able to perform manual farm tasks

• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Able to work early mornings, weekends and rostered shifts

• Able to work effectively as part of a team

• Good communication skills

• Strong commitment to animal welfare and safe work practices

Job Requirements

• Previous dairy farming, farming or livestock experience preferred

• No minimum formal qualification required

• On-the-job training will be provided in farm systems, procedures and Halter

• A current driver's licence is required, able to drive a auto & manual vehicle

• Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Applicants must be available for early morning, weekend and rostered work