Dairy Farm Assistant – Fixed Term Position

Taieri Plains, near Dunedin | Start date: 30 November 2026 | Finishes: 31 May 2027

We are looking for a reliable, motivated and hardworking Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team for the remainder of the 2026/2027 dairy season.

Our farm is located on the Taieri Plains, near Dunedin Airport, approximately 15 minutes south of Mosgiel and 30 minutes from central Dunedin.

We milk 325 cows twice a day through a 40-aside herringbone shed on 172 hectares.

Please note: This is a fixed-term position until 31 May 2027, as the farm is scheduled to be sold at the end of the season.

The Role

This is a full-time, hands-on position involving a variety of daily and seasonal farm duties, including:

• Milking cows and plant/vat washing.
• Feeding cows and operating the feedout wagon.
• Tractor driving, including feeding baleage, topping, carting baleage, scraping lanes and operating a slurry wagon.
• Spraying weeds and setting up break fences.
• Shifting the irrigator.
• Identifying and treating sick cows.
• General vehicle and machinery maintenance, including checking oil levels, tyre pressures, greasing and cleaning.
• Other general and seasonal farm duties as required.

Some dairy farming experience is preferred, but it is not essential. Training and support will be provided in all aspects of the role for someone with the right attitude and willingness to learn.

The Person We Are Looking For

More important than your current skill set is your attitude and approach to work.

You will ideally be someone who is:

• Reliable, honest and takes pride in their work.
• Willing to learn and adapt to different systems.
• Patient and confident when working with cows and people.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Tidy, organised and attentive to detail.
• Physically fit and comfortable with the demands of farm work.
• Proactive and happy to use your initiative.
• Drug and smoke free.

Additional experience in pasture management, fencing, chainsaw use or hoof treatment would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Hours and Accommodation

The roster is 7 days on, 2 days off, followed by 3 days on and 2 days off. This works out to every second weekend off, along with alternating Monday and Tuesday days off. There is some flexibility with the roster for the right person.

A two-bedroom house is available to rent on the farm.

Employment Details

• Position: Full-time Dairy Farm Assistant.
• Start date: 30 November 2026 (or by agreement).
• End date: 31 May 2027.
• Employment type: Fixed term.

How to Apply

If you are reliable, hardworking and keen to be part of a team for the remainder of the season, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a little about yourself to:

[email protected]