Dairy Farm Assistant & Dairy Farm Herd Manager

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50

Key Requirements:

• At least 6 months of experience, or Level 1 New Zealand Certificate/secondary school education.
• Physically fit and able to work early mornings and weekends.
• Willingness to work in changing weather conditions and handle livestock.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily milking routines, including shed preparation, operating milking machinery, and post-milking hygiene.
• Feed livestock and monitor herd health, reporting any issues promptly.
• Clean and maintain animal housing and farm facilities.
• Assist with fencing, irrigation checks, and general farm upkeep.
• Support during calving, herd movements, or seasonal tasks.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and biosecurity protocols.

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50

Key Requirements:

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience required.
• or
• Level 4 or above relevant qualification required.
• Proven ability to oversee milking scheduling, nutrition strategies, and herd performance.
• Competence in supervising staff and coordinating farm operations.
• Well-versed in health, safety, animal welfare, and environmental compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise, and oversee herd milking, feeding, and care routines, ensuring high animal welfare standards.
• Monitor herd health, nutrition, and performance; implement improvements and manage pest or disease risks.
• Manage seasonal tasks (calving, spraying, irrigation coordination) in collaboration with farm owners and staff.
• Supervise and train dairy assistants and farm workers in milking and animal handling practices.
• Maintain records of milking yields, herd condition, breeding programs, and productivity metrics.
• Coordinate fencing, water supply systems, and farm infrastructure maintenance.
• Prepare budgets, manage inventory of feed, livestock supplies, and oversee farm capital planning.
• Ensure compliance with local farm regulations, employment laws, and safety standards.