We are seeking an Assistant Herd Manager with 6 months to 2 years of current New Zealand dairy farm experience to work on our 600-cow farm in South Hillend. The farm is located approximately 10
minutes from Winton and 40 minutes from Invercargill, milking through a 54-bale rotary shed equipped with ACRs, auto teat spray, and in-shed feed. Cows wintered off farm in June & July to Mossburn (30 minutes drive from the main farm, the employer will provide a vehicle for travelling), where we go every day to feed them. System 2 farm with good infrastructure for the smooth running of the business. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to grow their skills and work closely alongside both the contract milker and ops manager in a supportive environment. We will help the right candidate to progress in the industry and also encourage them to take primary ITO courses and other events from industry partners.
Key responsibilities and tasks:
Carry out daily milking routines, including setting up the shed, milking, plant and vat washing, and
maintaining high hygiene standards.
Assist in monitoring milk production targets (daily, weekly, monthly) and report any variations.
Identify, draft, and assist in treating animals with health issues, maintaining high milk quality
standards.
Support calving operations, including picking up calves, matching calves to cows, and reporting
issues.
Assist with effluent system operation, including shifting irrigators and reporting faults.
Carry out break fencing and shifting stock, including crop management.
Assist with pasture monitoring (pre- and post-grazing covers) and report to Contract Milker.
Report maintenance and repair requirements across the farm.
Maintain accurate records of herd health and farm activities.
Operate tractors and machinery for feeding out (baleage, supplements) and general farm work.
Work as part of a team to meet farm goals, including health & safety and compliance requirements.
Assist with supervising relief staff and calf rearers when required.
Support the Assistant Farm Manager in day-to-day operations.
Capable of carrying out farm duties with minimal supervision.
Skills and qualities:
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Good communication and people skills for supervising and coaching staff.
Initiative and a focus on continuous improvement.
Calm and collected under pressure, especially during busy periods like calving.
Patience with both people and livestock.
Weekly hours are 40. Since farm work is dependent on several unknown factors like weather and animals, any hours worked beyond the agreed weekly hours will be paid at the agreed overtime rate.
The schedule may vary, but work hours generally run from 4:30 am to 6 pm, with meal and rest breaks.
The roster will be 11 days on and 3 days off all year round.
To be considered, you must:
- provide a CV, cover letter with current and previous work-related references (applications without
references will not be considered)
- be a solid worker and with good character (where possible, we will do a criminal check)
- be physically fit, motivated, and willing to learn & progress in the industry
- be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and a random test during the season
- have a full New Zealand driver's licence
Summary - if you're committed to getting up early, working hard, treating the animals with care and respect, and communicating well with others, you will want this job.
Apply for this role if you are currently in New Zealand with 6 months to 2 years of dairy farming experience and available for an on-farm interview.