Herd Manager

Dairy Farm 2IC Job Description

Rolston Farming Ltd | 17 Tongue Road, Hillend, South Otago

Position: Second in Charge / Assistant Farm Manager
Reports to: Farm Manager
Employee: To be confirmed

Purpose of the role

Support the farm manager to deliver efficient, profitable dairy farm operations. The 2IC is a hands-on working leader who carries out and supervises daily tasks, implements agreed farm plans, supports staff and takes charge of routine operations during the manager’s agreed absences.

Property description

The dairy operation is located at 17 Tongue Road, Hillend, and operates as a semi self-contained business with wintering areas. The property comprises 352.7058 ha total and 248 ha effective, with flat to rolling land and steeper gullies, much of the ineffective area planted in trees. Facilities include a 42 aside herringbone dairy, three homes, calf rearing facilities and other farm buildings, with 65 paddocks supplied with water.

Herd numbers, wintering locations and young stock movements will follow the current season’s plan confirmed by the farm manager. The 2IC may be required to work at associated wintering or support blocks as directed.

Farm goals

Achieve strong milk production through efficient pasture use and strategic supplementary feeding.

Control waste and operating costs to support profitability across commodity cycles.

Provide reliable daily leadership and continuity when the manager is away.

Build a capable team through practical training, respectful communication and opportunities to develop.

Authority and accountability

The farm manager and owner set the farm plan, budgets, feeding policy, herd targets and major operating decisions. The 2IC allocates routine work and makes day-to-day decisions within agreed instructions and delegated authority. Hiring, formal disciplinary action, changes to farm policy, stock purchases or sales and expenditure outside approved limits require manager or owner approval.

When covering the manager, follow the agreed plan, maintain records and provide a clear handover. Escalate feed shortages, serious animal health issues, staff problems, equipment failures or environmental incidents promptly. Take immediate action within training and competence to protect people, livestock and the environment.