"Assistant" Herd Manager Jobs in Taranaki

600 COW ROTARY HERD MANAGER – 900 COW FARM, TWO-SHED OPERATION | OKATO (TARANAKI) We are seeking a capable and motivated Herd Manager to take responsibility for one 50-bail rotary milking approximately 600 cows, operating as part of a 900-cow farm running two separate cowsheds. This role suits someone who enjoys ownership of their own unit while still being supported by a wider, well-structured farming business. About the Role You will manage the day-to-day running of one shed and herd within a larger operation. The farm operates as two coordinated units, giving clear structure, support, and progression opportunities while allowing you to take pride in your own area of responsibility. Key Responsibilities - Efficient operation of a 50-bail rotary cowshed - Managing herd performance, animal health, and milk quality - Supporting pasture allocation, feed management, and break setting - Accurate recording of treatments and production data - Maintaining high standards of stockmanship, shed hygiene, and presentation - Working alongside the second shed team to maintain consistent systems across the farm What We’re Looking For - Previous Herd Manager experience or a strong Assistant ready to step up - Confidence handling larger herd numbers and busy calving periods - Strong communication and team mindset - Pride in animal welfare and tidy farm practices - Competence with tractors and general farm machinery preferred The Farm System - 900 cows across two cowsheds on one farming operation - Spring-calving, pasture-based system - Clear structure with support from experienced management What We Offer - Competitive salary package aligned with experience - Quality accommodation available - Supportive, forward-thinking team environment - Opportunities for development and progression as the business grows - A role where initiative and responsibility are valued If you enjoy running a tidy shed, take pride in stock, and want to be part of a farming business with direction and scale, we’d like to hear from you. Apply via Farm Source Jobs with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and what excites you about dairy farming.

**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. 28 day cycle: 7on/2off, 7/2 7/3, with regular time off. Must have at least 6 months dairy farm experience. Must have a NZ Certificate of Primary ITO Level 2. Shed Type: 40 Aside Herringbone. $29.66/hourly rate. Farm Size (ha): 185. Peak Herd Size (cows): 320. Typical On-farm Staff: 3. Position Start Date: 23/01/2026. Accommodation available: Accommodation is available. Hour Type: week. Average Hours Per week: 40. Roster: By negotiation. Remuneration paid by: Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly.