Experienced Operator

Karanama Farm LimitedContract MilkerPiarere, Waikato5mo ago
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Operator to take on a well-established and high-performing dairy operation in Piarere with a proven track record. We are open to negotiation on contract type from Employee, to Contract Milker to Sharemilker. This role is ideally suited to someone who has already operated at moderate scale, looking for a more progressive role, strong infrastructure, and clear performance expectations. **The Farm** - 850 cows - 350 hectares effective - 3-year average: ~450,000 kg MS - Protrack herd management system - Well-maintained infrastructure and reliable systems - Proven production history on a consistent platform **The Opportunity** You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the milking operation, delivering consistent production, high animal welfare standards, and strong milk quality results. The role offers autonomy within a supportive ownership structure and is well suited to a motivated operator looking to further develop their business and management capability. **Key Responsibilities** - Full responsibility for milking operations and milk quality - Animal health management in line with best practice and veterinary programmes - Staff management, training, and rostering - Feed allocation and pasture utilization in conjunction with farm owner/consultant - Accurate recording through Protrack and associated systems - Compliance with health & safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements - Maintaining a high standard of farm presentation and animal welfare **About You** - Currently contract milking (or recent contract milking experience) - Proven capability managing staff and day-to-day farm operations - Strong animal health, milk quality, and pasture management skills - Competent with herd management software (Protrack experience preferred) - Motivated, reliable, and performance-driven - Looking to step into a larger-scale operation and grow professionally **What’s on Offer** - Well-established, productive farming system - Scale and infrastructure to support strong performance - Opportunity to further develop your contract milking career **Farm Size (ha)**: 350 **Peak Herd Size (cows)**: 850 **Typical On-farm Staff**: 4 **Position Start Date**: 16/02/2026 **Accommodation available**: 4 homes on farm and a sleepout. 1 four bedroom, three of them are 3 bedroom **Hour Type**: season **Average Hours Per week**: 180 plus part time milkers **Roster**: By negotiation **Remuneration paid by**: By Negotiation **Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits)**: By negotiation, could be salary with quantity achievement bonus, Per KgMS, or sharemilking split of revenue and costs **Remuneration if Per KgMS - Dollars per KgMS**: by negotiation, we understand we need to meet the market

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