Job Description
We’re looking for a reliable, capable Herd Manager to join our team.
We’re in our first season on a brand-new 1,500-cow dairy conversion. The farm covers 500 hectares, is fully irrigated and milks through a modern 80-bale Waikato rotary with Protrack, in-shed feeding, cow collars and Auto Smart Wash.
Key responsibilities
- Managing the day-to-day running, feeding and performance of your herd.
- Monitoring animal health, identifying issues and carrying out treatments as required.
- Managing pasture allocation and grazing residuals in line with the farm feed plan.
- Assisting with mating, reproduction and herd improvement.
- Monitoring milk production, cow condition and herd performance.
- Maintaining accurate animal health and production records.
- Following health and safety procedures and maintaining high animal welfare standards.
- Working with the contract milker and wider team to meet farm targets.
Skills and experience
- At least 12 months of relevant practical dairy-farming experience.
- Confidence handling cows and knowledge of animal health and pasture management.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for a herd.
- Good communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
Tarras is approximately 25 minutes from Cromwell and Wānaka and around an hour from Queenstown.
To apply, please send your CV and a brief introduction about yourself.
Farm Size (ha)
500
Peak Herd Size (cows)
1500
Typical On-farm Staff
6
Position Start Date
10/11/2026
Accommodation available
A modern, brand-new two-bedroom house shared with one other person. The house has a log burner and heat pump. Accommodation terms to be discussed.
Hour Type
week
Average Hours Per week
Minimum 40 guaranteed hours per week, with an expected average of 45–50 hours.
Roster
Triple rotation - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 2 days Off - 7 Days on / 3 days Off
Remuneration paid by
Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)
Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)
$70,000–$80,000 per annum, depending on experience and suitability.