[ref. d16270322] Dairy Herd Manager - Gore
Dairy Herd Managers – Full Time
Balfour, Southland
$30-$35 per hour
Guarantee 40 hours per week
Accommodation available to rent on farm $350/week deductions can be made directly from wages – TBC and agreed with the ideal candidates.
We are looking for capable and motivated Dairy Herd Managers to join our team and support the daily operations of our progressive dairy farm. This is a hands-on role working closely with the Farm Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Milking & Shed Management: Lead and assist in daily milking operations, maintaining excellent hygiene standards and ensuring milk quality meets regulatory and company standards. You will be milking twice per day.
- Animal Health & Treatments: Monitor herd health, administer treatments, and record all animal health data accurately in MINDA. Proactively identify and address health and milk quality issues.
- Effluent & Environmental Compliance: Ensure effluent systems are operated effectively and in line with environmental regulations.
- Feeding Systems: Assist in operating and monitoring our high-input feeding system, have an understanding of feed planning and cow nutrition to maximise production.
- Calving & Reproduction: Confidently manage all aspects of calving, including animal welfare, calving assistance, and calf care. Identify cows on heat and ideally use cow monitoring systems (e.g. Halter).
- Pasture & Nutrient Management: Measure pasture growth and follow our consultants guidelines to manage grazing and fertiliser application to optimise grass quality and nutrient use.
- Staff Supervision & Training: Lead by example, delegate tasks, and train junior staff in farm procedures and safe work practices.
- Time Management & Efficiency: Prioritise tasks effectively to ensure farm operations run smoothly and contribute to our business productivity and profitability.
- Vehicles & Machinery: Safely operate and maintain farm vehicles in line with farm policies. Motorcycle safety training is preferred.
- Health & Safety: Be actively involved in maintaining a strong health and safety culture. Identify hazards, report incidents, and support biosecurity protocols.
- Farm Systems & KPIs: Understand and support the farm’s financial and production goals. Be open to participating in budget discussions. Implement our farm policies to meet our goals and KPIs.
About You:
You’ll be a proactive and reliable team player who is confident working independently and taking initiative. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare and efficient farm systems are essential.
The ideal candidates will possess a NZ level 3 or 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent overseas qualification, ideally related to the role, and/or 2 years of work experience related to the role.
Applications close for these roles on Tuesday 30th of September.