"Assistant" Herd Manager Jobs in Canterbury

Senior Dairy Farm Assistant or Herd Manager– 2025/26 Season New Farm | Great Team | Big Opportunities Keen to be part of something new and exciting? We’re looking for a motivated Dairy Farm Assistant or Herd manager to join us for the 2025/26 season on a new farm, where culture, performance, and people genuinely matter. We’re a supportive, positive team who enjoy the work we do and look out for each other — but we’re also serious about farming well. We have high expectations when it comes to animal health, pasture management, milk quality, and hitting industry targets. If you take pride in doing a job properly and want to keep lifting your standards, you’ll fit right in. This role is milking 540 cows in a 40aside herringbone. What you can expect: - A fun, respectful, and well-organised work environment - Clear systems and expectations - Supportive employers who value good communication - Opportunities for training, upskilling, and career progression within the dairy industry - A new-farm set-up with a focus on efficiency and best practice What we’re looking for: - A positive attitude and strong work ethic - Willingness to learn and take feedback on board - Pride in animal welfare and farm presentation - Commitment to meeting production and industry targets - Dairy experience preferred, but not essential for the right person If you’re keen to grow your skills, be part of a high-performing team, and enjoy coming to work each day, we’d love to hear from you. We have a track record of top performance and growing our people so if you want to further your career come and work for us! NOTE: MUST BE IN NEW ZEALAND and have eligible visa. We are accredited but we are NOT supporting entry into NZ. We are however, willing to work with successful applicant in NZ with appropriate visa. Farm Size (ha): 142 Peak Herd Size (cows): 540 Typical On-farm Staff: 3+ Calf rearer Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 Bedroom home with section- Healthy homes standards Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Double rotation - 5 Days on / 2 days Off - 6 Days on / 1 day Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): TBC- Negotiable- 70+k

Looking for an enthusiastic, team minded person to work on our family farm near Oxford. Milking 740 through 60 bale rotary. Lead with Pride accredited so expecting candidate to be as engaged as us with this. Strictly drug and smoke free. Four permanent staff plus relief milkers, all pitching in to do the job. Must be passionate about farming and learning to be their best. Must have previous dairy farm experience, at least as farm assistant for minimum two years. The candidate should enjoy day to day tasks such as milking and be observant and able to spot the abnormal (e.g. lameness/mastitis). Also be willing to take on responsibility. Accommodation available suitable for single person only, no dogs. Farm Size (ha) 317 Peak Herd Size (cows) 740 Typical On-farm Staff 4 Position Start Date 01/02/2026 Accommodation available yes - single person Hour Type negotiable Average Hours Per week 48 Roster Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 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) $70000-$80000 dependent on experience

**Job Description** Carries out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assists in training new employees on correct techniques. Assists with solving milk quality problems, as per instructions in farm policy manual. Helps farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking and mastitis control procedures. Cleans and maintains the milking plant and farm dairy equipment, and carries out hygiene inspections as per instructed in on farm policy manual. Moves and handles animals safely, identifies and diagnoses animal health issues, and assists with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as per advised by manager. Observes, records and reports on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. Moves, handles and rears calves, identifies and diagnoses calving-related health issues. Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognizes cows on heat, and records as per policy. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Observes, identifies and manages pasture/crop weeds, or reports these to appropriate team member as advised. Knows the crops on farm, sets appropriate feeding allocations, and is aware of associated animal health issues with crop feeding. Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. Recognizes and understands pasture quality, pasture covers and appropriate residuals, and implements best practice to maintain quality and avoid pasture damage. Feeds out supplements as advised ensuring there is minimal wastage, and is aware of associated feed health issues. Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. Is aware of regional council requirements and their responsibilities to comply with these. Understands the farm environment plan and associated responsibilities. Follows farm policy to achieve best nutrient management practice. Understands regulations around land management and ensures their practice complies with these. Is learning how to use agrichemicals and fertilizers, safely and correctly. Understands regional council requirements around water use, and implements steps to achieve efficient water use in the farm dairy as advised in farm policy manual. Understands what their potential career path looks like and the skills required to get there. Actively looks for and considers opportunities to grow skills and take the next step. Understands own rights around employment agreements, minimum wage requirements, leave and accommodation, and how to communicate any issues to managers. Models the values and behaviors of a good workplace culture, through leading by example. Understands obligations around their own time management, and can prioritize work tasks. Safely erects and maintains both permanent and non-permanent electric and non-electric fences, as directed. Sets up, operates, and maintains the irrigation system according to workplace procedures and consents. Is beginning to problem-solve technological issues, and demonstrate initiative in using new technologies and data for insights and decision making. Operates farm vehicles and machinery in accordance with safety and regulatory obligations, and knows strategies to avoid hazards and biosecurity risks. Knows how to maintain good health on-farm, understands health and safety compliance requirements. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Knows how to safely operate and maintain equipment. Manages their general wellbeing using self-awareness, seeking support from farm team as required. Is aware of nutritional, physical, emotional and social needs. Models good health, safety and wellbeing behaviors to juniors, and communicates any issues. Must be able to drive a tractor and be able to legally drive in NZ. Must be able to detect mastitis and treat lame cows. Accommodation is available. 6 days on 2 days off roster. Must have at least 2 years dairy farm experience. Shed Type: 60 Bail Rotary Farm Size (ha): 234.44 Peak Herd Size (cows): 850 Typical On-farm Staff: 3.5 Position Start Date: 29/01/2026 Accommodation available: Accommodation is available Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 40 Roster: Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 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): $59,000-$61,500 annual salary, depending on experience

We milk through a modern 64 bale rotary dairy shed with cup removers, protrack, heat detection camera and in shed feeding. You must be motivated with a can do positive attitude. A minimum of 2 years experience is required for this role. Responsibilities will include: - Implementing efficient, effective milk harvesting with supervising/assisting farm assistants with training the correct techniques. - Assist with solving milk quality problems as per farm policy and training assistants to understand them. - Daily shed cleaning hygiene practices. - Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture, and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. - Shifting stock when required and safely. - Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy. - Safe handling of animals and report any health and welfare issues. - Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognizes cows on heat, and records as per policy. - Feeding out with tractor and wagon and ensuring minimal wastage is achieved. - Repair and maintenance on farm equipment when required. - Irrigation management with shifting and repairs. - Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. - Control weeds and keep a general tidy work place on farm. We do have a health and safety policy that you must follow on farm. The farm prides itself on team environment so the applicant must have the ability to work within a team environment. Work independently as required, have good communication skills with other team members and understand the basics of dairy farming. We believe in progress on farm so training is always available to the right person. The Herd Manager must have key skills to teach other farm assistants on farm to. The farm is flat with irrigation on farm mainly being center pivots with fixed grid just been put in. 15ha of fodder beat is grown on farm for Autumn and Spring feeding. Cows are wintered off farm on a lease block 20 minutes up the road which requires feeding and moving by staff on farm during this time. Young stock are also on lease block which require animal health events to be done throughout season. Applicants must be drug and alcohol free with no criminal records and be willing to submit to random drug testing on farm if required. To be considered for this role, you need to be already located, and eligible to work in New Zealand and provide an up to date CV with references. Roster is 5 days on 2 days off for most of the season and 6 on 1 off during calving time. A minimum of 30 hours will be required and guaranteed each week.

Our stunning family-owned farm is situated on 465Ha of flat land and is located just 15 mins to Geraldine, only 20 minutes to Ashburton and a quick 25 mins to Methven. We milk our beautiful 2100 cows through a very high tech 80 bail rotary that literally has all the bells and whistles, and we are currently seeking a proactive assistant herd manager to join our awesome team. We have a great team of people and currently we are on a 6/3 roster, we do this so that our people can have a good work life balance. Our cows get milked twice a day but our humans only milk once a day. We care about our people and our cows the most and we strive to be the best employers we can be. You must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience is required as you will be expected to “hit the ground running” and be able to work unsupervised. A full driver’s license and being able to ride 2- and 4-wheel motorbikes is also essential. We are a drug free farm; we require you to not have a criminal record. We guarantee a minimum of 30 hours a week and we shall pay an hourly rate of between $30 to $35 per hour including accommodation. Farm Size (ha): 465 Peak Herd Size (cows): 2100 Typical On-farm Staff: 11 Position Start Date: 01/02/2026 Accommodation available: Modern 1 bedroom unit - $375 per week – Sorry no pets Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): Neg.

La Vaca Loca Limited operates 4 large farms across the Canterbury and West Coast of New Zealand, employing 8x fulltime staff, 2x casuals and 2x directors. Due to growth and expansion, we are seeking a permanent Dairy Herd Manager to contribute to the success and efficiency on one of the farms located at Culverden, Canterbury. This farm consists of 170 hectares and up to 500 cows. The successful applicant must have farming experience. The annual salary package is $75,000 per annum consisting of a base salary plus a $250 per week accommodation allowance. This role is for 40 hours per week. The key responsibilities of the role are: - Carries out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and supervises/assists in training farm assistants on correct techniques. - Assists with solving milk quality problems, as per instructions in farm policy manual. - Helps farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking, and mastitis control procedures. - Cleans and maintains the milking plant and farm dairy equipment and carries out hygiene inspections as per instructed in on farm policy manual. - Moves and handles animals safely, identifies and diagnoses animal health issues, and assists with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. - Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as per advised by manager. - Observes, records and reports on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. - Moves, handles and rears calves, identifies and diagnoses calving-related health issues. - Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognises cows on heat, and records as per policy. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. - Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. - Observes, identifies, and manages pasture/crop weeds, or reports these to appropriate team member as advised. - Knows the crops on farm, sets appropriate feeding allocations, and is aware of associated animal health issues with crop feeding. - Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture, and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. - Recognises and understands pasture quality, pasture covers and appropriate residuals, and implements best practice to maintain quality and avoid pasture damage. - Feeds out supplements as advised ensuring there is minimal wastage and is aware of associated feed health issues. - Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. Is aware of regional council requirements and their responsibilities to comply with these. - Understands the farm environment plan and associated responsibilities. Follows farm policy to achieve best nutrient management practice. - Understands regulations around land management and ensures their practice complies with these. - Is learning how to use agrichemicals and fertilisers, safely and correctly. - Understands regional council requirements around water use and implements steps to achieve efficient water use in the farm dairy as advised in farm policy manual. - Understands what their potential career path looks like and the skills required to get there. Actively looks for and considers opportunities to grow skills and take the next step. - Understands own rights around employment agreements, minimum wage requirements, leave and accommodation, and how to communicate any issues to managers. - Models the values and behaviours of a good workplace culture, through leading by example. - Understands obligations around their own time management and can prioritise work tasks. - Safely erects and maintains both permanent and non-permanent electric and non-electric fences, as directed. - Sets up, operates, and maintains the irrigation system according to workplace procedures and consents. - Problem-solve technological issues and demonstrate initiative in using new technologies and data for insights and decision making. - Knows how to maintain good health on-farm, understands health and safety compliance requirements. - Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. - Operates farm vehicles and machinery in accordance with safety and regulatory obligations and knows strategies to avoid hazards and biosecurity risks. - Is aware of nutritional, physical, emotional, and social needs. Models good health, safety and wellbeing behaviours to juniors, and communicates any issues. - Beginning to understand how a farm operates as a business including how the dairy pay-out effects income and the cost associated with farming. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV by email to cbhennig@hotmail.com, including two work references and two personal references relevant to the role.

We require a Herd Manager to join our team. To be considered for the role, you must have a minimum of 6 months' NZ dairy farming work experience. You must be physically fit, with clean criminal and drug checks and a full driving licence. Tractor driving experience required. No pets are allowed in the shared accommodation. No smoking/vaping allowed in the shared accommodation and sheds. There is a minimum guaranteed 40 hours of work per week to a maximum of 50 hours at $30.00/hour. As a Herd Manager, you are expected to: - Carry out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assist in training new employees on correct techniques. - Assist with solving milk quality problems - Help farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking, and mastitis control procedures. - Clean and maintain the milking plant and farm dairy equipment and carry out hygiene inspections - Move and handle animals safely, identify and diagnose animal health issues, and assist with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. - Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as advised by the manager. - Observe, record, and report on cows preparing to calve, and calve cows in line with farm policy. Please submit your CV with three contactable work referees.

We require a farm assistant for our 800 cow farm milking through a 50 bale rotary with an in-shed feed system. The farm is well set up and is located close to Ashburton. We require a reliable and ideally experienced person to join our awesome team. We are looking for someone who is driven, reliable, responsible, and gets on well with people, enjoys working with animals, and takes pride in your work. Applicants need to have good communication skills, speak and understand English. Your duties will include, but not limited to the following: - Milking - getting cows in for milking, ensure the effective operation of all aspects of the milking process, including good plant hygiene and collection of high-quality milk. - Feed Management - setting paddocks up as per grazing plan. - Animal Health and Stock Management - Implement an animal health programme to maintain good health. - Calve rearing - assisting with the feeding and well-being of calves. - Farm systems and Policies - Understand relevant farm systems and policies, assist with general repairs and maintenance. Applicants must - be currently residing and eligible to work in NZ - have no criminal convictions. - hold a clean, valid drivers licence and own a reliable vehicle. - be 100% drug-free and pass a pre-employment drug test. - be physically fit. - 2 years experience dairy farming in New Zealand. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

**Job Description** Carries out milk harvesting tasks safely, efficiently, and correctly, and assists in training new employees on correct techniques. Assists with solving milk quality problems, as per instructions in farm policy manual. Helps farm assistants to understand factors that affect milk quality, hygienic milking and mastitis control procedures. Cleans and maintains the milking plant and farm dairy equipment, and carries out hygiene inspections as per instructed in on farm policy manual. Moves and handles animals safely, identifies and diagnoses animal health issues, and assists with treatments and prevention in line with farm policy. Records and maintains all herd health treatments and events according to on-farm policy or dairy company policy, as per advised by manager. Observes, records and reports on cows preparing to calve, and calves’ cows in line with farm policy. Moves, handles and rears calves, identifies and diagnoses calving-related health issues. Understands the mating management policy for the farm. Recognizes cows on heat, and records as per policy. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Diagnoses and assists with treatment of breeding related health issues. Observes, identifies and manages pasture/crop weeds, or reports these to appropriate team member as advised. Knows the crops on farm, sets appropriate feeding allocations, and is aware of associated animal health issues with crop feeding. Understands the on-farm feed policy, can calculate pasture and supplement requirements and set correct feeding levels. Recognizes and understands pasture quality, pasture covers and appropriate residuals, and implements best practice to maintain quality and avoid pasture damage. Feeds out supplements as advised ensuring there is minimal wastage, and is aware of associated feed health issues. Understands how the farms dairy effluent systems operate and how effluent affects the on-farm environment. Is aware of regional council requirements and their responsibilities to comply with these. Understands the farm environment plan and associated responsibilities. Follows farm policy to achieve best nutrient management practice. Understands regulations around land management and ensures their practice complies with these. Is learning how to use agrichemicals and fertilizers, safely and correctly. Understands regional council requirements around water use, and implements steps to achieve efficient water use in the farm dairy as advised in farm policy manual. Understands what their potential career path looks like and the skills required to get there. Actively looks for and considers opportunities to grow skills and take the next step. Understands own rights around employment agreements, minimum wage requirements, leave and accommodation, and how to communicate any issues to managers. Models the values and behaviors of a good workplace culture, through leading by example. Understands obligations around their own time management, and can prioritize work tasks. Safely erects and maintains both permanent and non-permanent electric and non-electric fences, as directed. Sets up, operates, and maintains the irrigation system according to workplace procedures and consents. Is beginning to problem-solve technological issues, and demonstrate initiative in using new technologies and data for insights and decision making. Operates farm vehicles and machinery in accordance with safety and regulatory obligations, and knows strategies to avoid hazards and biosecurity risks. Knows how to maintain good health on-farm, understands health and safety compliance requirements. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Identifies hazards, understands safety procedures, and demonstrates safe on-farm work practices. Reports near misses and accidents in the relevant registers provided at induction. Knows how to safely operate and maintain equipment. Manages their general wellbeing using self-awareness, seeking support from farm team as required. Is aware of nutritional, physical, emotional and social needs. Models good health, safety and wellbeing behaviors to juniors, and communicates any issues. Must be able to drive a tractor and be able to legally drive in NZ. Must be able to detect mastitis and treat lame cows. Shared accommodation is available. 6 days on 2 days off roster. Must have at least 2 years dairy farm experience. Shed Type: 42 Aside Herringbone. 84 hours/fortnightly. Farm Size (ha): 154. Peak Herd Size (cows): 560. Position Start Date: 26/12/2025. Accommodation available: Shared accommodation is available. Hour Type: negotiable. Average Hours Per week: 42. Roster: Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 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): $71,000-$73,300 annual salary, depending on experience.

Stonefort Dairies Ltd is in need of Farm Assistant or Herd Manager starting January 2026. Earlier start can be negotiated. Will work with 3 other staff so must be a good team player. Knowledge and know-how on milking, mastitis detection, plant hygiene, tractor driving, pasture-based farming is a must. A positive mental attitude and willingness to learn are a big plus. Farm is 240 hectares, pivot irrigated and 80 bail rotary with ACR and protrack equipped. Applicants must be in NZ and holds a 4 -year university degree. Farm Size (ha): 240 Peak Herd Size (cows): 880 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/01/2026 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom house with log burner Hour Type: season Average Hours Per week: 40 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): 65000