Dairy Farm Assistant

Dairy Farm Assistant – One-Year Fixed-Term Position

700-cow family-owned dairy farm | Te Awamutu / Ōtorohanga | Accommodation available

Looking for a great farming opportunity in the Waikato?

We're looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Farm Assistant to join our family-owned and operated dairy farm from 1 December. Ideally, we're looking for someone who can commit to 12 months, with the potential for the role to become permanent for the right person. We're happy to be flexible on the initial term for an outstanding candidate.

Whether you're looking to broaden your dairy farming experience, develop new skills or make the most of a working holiday in New Zealand, this could be a great opportunity to become part of a progressive, hands-on farming operation.

About us and our farm

Located just 10 minutes from Te Awamutu and 15 minutes from Ōtorohanga, we milk up to 700 cows through a modern 50-bale rotary shed with automation.

Our farm is tidy and well-developed, with rolling contour and excellent infrastructure and equipment, including a feedpad with floodwash system.

We're focused on efficient, cost-effective production, excellent animal health and sustainably harvesting maximum pasture yields. We're also increasingly incorporating regenerative farming principles into our farming practices, with an interest in improving soil health, pasture resilience and overall farm sustainability.

We're a family-owned and operated business, with three employees and two owners with a young family actively involved in the day-to-day running of the farm. One of the owners is also an on-farm veterinarian, providing a unique opportunity for someone interested in developing their knowledge and understanding of animal health and livestock management.

We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, supportive working environment while maintaining high professional standards. We enjoy sharing knowledge, developing our people and getting the job done well.

About the role

This is a varied Farm Assistant position, with responsibilities and opportunities tailored to the successful applicant's existing experience, capabilities and interests.

Duties may include:

• Milking and general dairy shed duties.
• Animal health and stock management.
• Pasture management and feed allocation.
• Some calf rearing.
• Tractor driving and general farm machinery operation.
• General farm maintenance and day-to-day farm operations.

For someone keen to develop their knowledge further, there are opportunities to gain experience in feed budgeting, pasture management, farm financial management, animal health and regenerative farming practices.

What we're looking for

We're after someone who:

• Has previous practical farming experience (essential).
• Is physically fit, healthy and enjoys working outdoors.
• Can speak fluent english
• Is reliable, motivated and takes pride in doing a good job.
• Is a quick learner who can think on their feet.
• Has a positive attitude and is happy to get stuck in.
• Holds a current driver's licence.
• Is interested in developing their farming knowledge and skills.

The level of responsibility and range of duties will depend on your existing experience and capabilities. You don't need to know everything, but you do need to bring some practical farming experience and a willingness to learn.

Working holiday visa holders are welcome to apply, provided they have previous farming experience and the appropriate right to work in New Zealand.

Hours and roster

• 40-50 hours per week.
• One-year fixed-term position, ideally commencing 1 December.
• Roster and hours are open to negotiation for the right applicant.

Our current permanent team works a combination of 5-on/1-off and 6-on/2-off rosters. We're flexible and happy to discuss alternative arrangements, including additional days off and annual leave arrangements.

Accommodation

A fully furnished, self-contained one-bedroom cottage is available to rent on the farm.

• Private, fully self-contained accommodation.
• Fully furnished.
• Wi-Fi included.
• Power included.

Interested?

If you're an experienced farm assistant looking for an opportunity to work with a supportive team, develop your skills and gain exposure to a modern dairy operation with an interest in regenerative farming, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send us your CV including a brief outline of your farming experience and employment history.

We look forward to hearing from you!