Dairy Farm Assistant

We are seeking a capable and motivated dairy farmer to join our operation as a Farm Assistant or Assistant Manager (2IC) depending on experience. This position has become available as a long-term staff member of nearly a decade moves on to a new career. We are now looking for someone who is ready to step up, take ownership, and grow toward farm management. This role will suit someone who wants to progress toward management rather than remain in a long-term junior position. For the right person, this role offers a clear pathway toward greater responsibility and leadership within the farm business. The Farm Our farm is a 130ha milking platform running 450 Jersey cows in the Canterbury foothills at Mount Somers. Farm infrastructure includes: - 36-aside herringbone shed with ARC - Twice-daily milking - Dryland (non-irrigated) - K-line effluent system - Small, efficient team structure Our friendly Jersey herd is quiet and great to work with, making day-to-day stock handling straightforward and enjoyable. We run a simple, practical farming system where good pasture management, animal health, and efficient routines are priorities. Because we are a smaller operation, the successful applicant will gain exposure to all aspects of farm management, not just day-to-day milking. The Opportunity This role would suit someone who: - Wants to develop leadership and management capability - Enjoys taking responsibility and contributing ideas - Is motivated to progress to a senior role within the next few years We place strong value on autonomy, and staff are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute ideas that improve how the farm operates. Depending on experience, the successful applicant may take responsibility for areas such as: - Day-to-day team coordination - Grazing management - K-line management - Calf rearing systems - Machinery operation and maintenance - Animal health treatments Roster 11 days on / 3 days off - negotiable This typically provides every second weekend (Friday–Sunday) off. We place value on efficiency and good planning rather than long hours, allowing flexibility when workload allows. What We Offer - 4-bedroom house included - Competitive salary package ($70,000 – $90,000 depending on experience) (This figure includes the accommodation value.) - Supportive working relationship - Genuine opportunity to progress toward farm management - Potential partner work opportunities - Start date: Flexible for the right applicant - Lifestyle location in the Canterbury foothills Location – Mount Somers Mount Somers offers a fantastic rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, including: - Ashburton Lakes - Hiking and hunting - Mt Hutt ski field - 30 minutes to Ashburton or Methven Requirements Applicants must: - Already be living in New Zealand - Hold a full, clean driver’s licence - Have no criminal convictions - Be willing to work in a drug-free workplace - Provide two recent farm references

**Job Description** Assistant Manager (2IC) x1 & Farm Assistant (FA) x1 North Canterbury | 30 Minutes from Christchurch We are seeking a motivated and reliable Assistant Manager (2IC) and Farm Assistant (FA) to join our pasture-focused, profitable dairy farming operation, located just 30 minutes from Christchurch on the doorstep of North Canterbury. This is a great opportunity for someone who is self-motivated, eager to learn, and driven to build a successful long-term career in the dairy industry. **Assistant Manager (2IC) Role** As 2IC, you will work closely with the farm owners and team and be actively involved in all aspects of the farm operation, including: - Milking and animal health - Pasture and feed management - Staff support and supervision - Farm maintenance - Record keeping and compliance You will also have the opportunity to grow your management and financial skills, gaining greater responsibility over time to help prepare you for the next step in your farming career. **Farm Assistant (FA) Role** As Farm Assistant, you will support the day-to-day running of the farm while building strong foundational farming skills. Duties will include: - Milking and general stock work - Calf rearing (seasonal) - Assisting with pasture and feed management - Farm maintenance and general duties - Supporting the wider farm team **What We’re Looking For** - Positive attitude and strong work ethic - Self-motivated and eager to learn - Great communication skills - Ability to work well within a team - Ability to work independently when required - Previous dairy farming experience preferred We offer a supportive team environment, a well-run farm system, and genuine opportunities for growth within the business. If you’re passionate about dairy farming and looking to develop your career in a progressive North Canterbury farming operation, we’d love to hear from you. **Farm Size (ha)** 160 **Peak Herd Size (cows)** 400 **Typical On-farm Staff** 2.5 **Position Start Date** 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available** On farm housing available **Hour Type** negotiable **Average Hours Per week** 45 **Roster** By negotiation **Remuneration paid by** By Negotiation

Are you a self motivated team player, with a great work ethic? Are you looking for a chance to learn everything you need to grow your dairy career? Then look no more! Due to one of our team leaving to pursue a different career path, we are now on the hunt for our next super star in the making!!! We milk our beautiful herd of 250 cows through a 44 bale rotary shed close to Leeston, we also have a run-off near the farm where we rear all our young stock. Being this close to Christchurch you will have plenty to do on your days off! Our ideal Candidate would be someone who is prepared to listen and learn, is reliable and honest as well as someone who is prepared to roll up their sleeves and get the jobs done, so everyone can go home and enjoy a well earned rest at the end of the day, as we are only a small team (you will be working alongside 2 other people) we all muck in and help each other, you will not hear "that's not my job" on our farm! If all of the above sounds like you and you have not experience do not let this put you off applying as we love to teach people and watch them grow in this very rewarding industry. Salary will be negotiated depending on experience. Lastly we are a drug free farm and may from time to time undertake random drug testing, we also require a clean criminal record. Pet cats are allowed but definitely no Dogs!

Do you want to be involved in well established 900 cow Dryland dairy farm near Methen? We have an opportunity for someone to join our capable team on a grass based system with pasture management being critical to everything we do. Cows are milked through a simple 50 bail rotary and are wintered on farm, heifers are milked OAD all season, all calves are reared for our separate beef farm. You will be involved in all aspects of the day to day management of 900 cows from milking to pasture management. We are looking for: - Minimum 3 years NZ dairy experience - Pasture management skills - assessing & planning - Strong references - we will be calling them - Reliable, self motivated, team player - Genuinely like cows & want the best for them We are offering: - Competitive salary - negotiable on experience - 3 bedroom house - Supportive, stable team environment - Ability to take time off during the season - Great location, schools, school bus & community - Methven is well recognized as being a great place to live & work If this sounds like something that you would like, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us about you, what you're looking for, what you like doing outside of work, how a great job like this in Methven would fit into your plans/goals, we want to know about you. We will not contact any applicants who do not send a cover letter about themselves.

**Job Description** Junior manager/2IC Dairy Farm Position We are seeking a motivated and capable 2IC (Second in Charge) or trainee manager to join our team on a 550-cow dairy farm. Our farm operates a 40-aside herringbone shed and you will be working alongside two other team members in a supportive environment. This role suits someone who is confident stepping into a leadership position and helping run the day-to-day operations of the farm. **Key Responsibilities** - Assist with the day-to-day management of the farm - Support and help manage staff - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed - Animal health, pasture management, and general farm duties - Taking responsibility for farm operations when the manager is off-farm You’ll be working alongside two other team members in a team-focused environment where respect, communication, and helping each other succeed are a big priority. We run an additional farm 5km away and are hands on employers. This role would suit someone who enjoys leading by example, supporting teammates, and keeping the farm running smoothly day-to-day. **About the Role** - Assist with the day-to-day running of the farm - Support and help manage staff, creating a positive and productive team culture - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed - Animal health, pasture management, and general farm duties - Step into a leadership role when the manager is off-farm **What We’re Looking For** - Solid dairy farming experience - Someone who values teamwork and contributes to a positive work environment - Ability to communicate clearly and support others in the team - Reliable, organised, and able to take initiative - Confidence to help coordinate daily tasks and keep things running well **What We Offer** - A supportive team culture where everyone works together - Opportunity to grow leadership and management skills - Competitive remuneration based on experience - A well-run farm where people and animals are both looked after We believe good farms are built on good teams, and we’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of that. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with a short introduction and your CV.

**Job Description** What we are looking for We are seeking a reliable and motivated Farm Assistant for the 2026/27 season. This role works under the Assistant Manager and 2IC and will support them with the day-to-day running of the farm. There will also be additional staffing for part of the year to support calving and mating. On farm staff will also be supported by the Sharemilkers, who will not be on the farm full time. Our priorities are strong pasture management, running an efficient and well-organised system, and excellent animal health. We aim to be proactive rather than reactive, planning to achieve consistent and sustainable results. This role would suit someone who already has some dairy farming experience and is keen to develop their skills further in a supportive environment. **About the farm** - 10 minutes west of Dunsandel - 700 cows on a 205ha effective dairy platform (wintering off farm) - 50 bail rotary with in-shed feeding and ACRs - Good reliable irrigation with 7 pivots and approximately 20ha of K-line - Spring calving, grass-based system - Effluent spread via an underslung system on one of the pivots - 10-year conversion with good infrastructure **Key responsibilities** - Carrying out daily tasks as directed by the Assistant Manager and 2IC - Milking efficiently while maintaining a high level of milk quality and shed hygiene - Assisting with heat detection and calving checks - Supporting animal health and welfare, including identifying issues and assisting with treatments - Helping with feed management, pasture work and irrigation checks - Maintaining plant hygiene and assisting with basic plant maintenance - Assisting with general farm maintenance and upkeep of buildings and equipment - Supporting the wider farm team to ensure daily operations run smoothly **Skills and experience required** - Previous dairy farming experience preferred (ideally 1–2 seasons in New Zealand, but not essential) - Good work ethic and ability to work as part of a team - Willingness to learn and develop dairy farming skills - Basic understanding of animal health and milking routines - Ability to operate tractors and farm machinery safely (training can be provided) **What we offer** - Modern shared accommodation (shared living for calving/mating, separate bedroom with ensuite) - Modern and well-maintained farming operation - A positive and supportive workplace environment - Opportunity to grow your skills and progress within the dairy industry - Competitive remuneration, based on experience This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build their dairy farming experience and develop their skills while working alongside an experienced team. Applicants must currently live in New Zealand and hold a valid visa that allows them to work. We are not accredited employers. To apply please send through a cover letter and current CV with two contactable references.

We are looking for a honest and reliable person to join our team of 3. We are milking 620 cows on a 40 aside herringbone shed. Roster will be single rotation, 6 on 2 off. The farm is located in Dunsandel area, 15 minutes to Rolleston. Great location as it is on the thriving and fastest growing district of New Zealand, Selwyn District. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to step up in their career. As 2ic you will be required to work along aside the contract milker and assist in managing the day-to-day running of the farm which includes taking charge when the contract milker is off farm. Taking a leadership role around the staff and good communication are important. Other tasks include milking, animal husbandry and feeding, farm walks, operating the tractor and roto rainer, and other farm maintenance. A good attitude and understanding of the day to day work on the farm is a must. You must be proactive at work. Minimum of 3 years NZ dairy farming experience is required. Must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment drug test is required. Farm Size (ha): 164 Peak Herd Size (cows): 620 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom brick house, double glazed with heat pump. No pets Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 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): 80,000-85,000

After 8 years we have a rare opportunity. We are looking for a Senior Herd Manager after our long standing staff member is moving on. So if you are a GREAT Herd Manager. We’re looking for a GREAT Herd Manager!! If you're interested in being part of a top performing dairy farm and team, then read on. We're an established business with the ability to implement good systems and have set the farm up with state of the art facilities so things can be done well. If you're passionate about dairy farming and want to be part of a high performing team please contact us. The role is part of a combined self contained business involving 3 dairy farms, two support blocks with a total of 15-16 permanent staff, 1164 effective hectares of spray-irrigated paddocks, three cowsheds (2 x 50 bale 1 x 60 bale) 13 pivots, 4 Rotorainers, 600 cow feed pad, and modern housing and farm machinery. The ideal candidate must have a positive attitude, be physically able and willing to work to a roster, and have a clean drivers' license. Agricultural qualification and/or 3-5 years prior dairy farming experience ideal. Farm Size (ha): 275 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1150 Typical On-farm Staff: 5 Accommodation available: Modern accommodation. Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

We are looking for a farm assistant to work between two adjacent 300 cow herd size farms. The successful applicant would preferably have a farming background who is confident working with dairy animals as well as machinery. They would need to show a high level of initiative and problem solving abilities as sometimes they would be expected to work alone and sometimes sole charge milking a herd of 300 cows through a 28 aside shed as they gain confidence. They will need to be historically and presently drug and smoking/vaping free. As Christian owners we would expect respectful, honest and polite conduct from the applicant. Farm Size (ha): 200 Peak Herd Size (cows): 600 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Accommodation available: Single person, self contained cottage. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 55 Roster: Single rotation - 12 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: Hourly / Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Yearly Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): Salary

Due to expanding, we are looking for a motivated and reliable Farm Assistant, who wants to be a part of a team where knowledge is passed on and work/life balance is valued. People are the main reason for our success so we have a strong focus on employing people with good attitudes and growing them into great farmers. We are patient to find the best fit for our team. The farm is currently being converted with the dairy shed being built now to be ready for next season. The farm will be 230 ha, peak milking 900 cows through a brand new 60 bail rotary with automatic cup removers, pro track, and in-shed feeding. All cows will be equipped with Tru-Test active ear tags. The farm is located in Mayfield and is fully irrigated with centre pivots and one roto-rainer. The successful applicant will have: - Good attitude and communication skills - Willingness to learn new skills and knowledge - Works well in a team Experience is a bonus but not a requirement, as we enjoy developing people and are willing to put the time into training. We can offer: - A positive team environment and encouragement of on and off farm training and development - Management that focuses on supporting each team member on achieving their goals - Strong focus on people, pasture, and animal wellbeing - Reliable and well maintained equipment - An employer that strives for best practice - Warm and fully furnished accommodation If this opportunity is of interest to you, please apply online with your cover letter, and CV with at least 2 appropriate references including your current employer. Applicants MUST be currently in New Zealand, eligible to work here, no criminal history, and happy to undergo a pre-employment drug test.