DAIRY FARM ASSISTANT

WHO WE ARE

Our farm currently milks approximately 400 cows twice daily through a 36-bail rotary

cowshed fitted with automatic cup removers (ACRs) and in-shed meal feeding. We utilise

Halter collar technology to manage our herd and graze all young stock on the property.

During winter, cows are wintered on swedes, making this a largely self-contained farming

operation.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Hartland Dairies Ltd is seeking a motivated and reliable Dairy Farm Assistant to join our

team on our 300-hectare dairy farm at 176 Ford Road South, RD 1, Hokitika.

This is a full-time position working alongside the farm owners and an experienced, long-

serving team member.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful applicant will assist with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the

dairy farm, including:

• Milking cows twice daily and assisting with all aspects of the milking process.

• Preparing and setting up the dairy shed before milking and completing washdown

and cleaning procedures afterwards.

• Maintaining high standards of shed hygiene, cleanliness and biosecurity.

• Monitoring cow health and behaviour, identifying sick or injured animals and

reporting concerns promptly.

• Assisting with animal health treatments and routine herd management as directed.

• Assisting with calving, including monitoring cows, collecting cows and calves, and

helping with calf rearing.

• Using Halter technology and following established procedures for herd movement

and management.

• Undertaking weed management, fencing repairs and general pasture

maintenance.

• Assisting with riparian planting and other environmental management activities.

• Carrying out general farm duties and maintenance as required.

• Following farm health and safety procedures and maintaining a safe working

environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES and PERFORMANCE GOALS:

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Carry out milking duties efficiently and safely, following established farm

procedures.

• Maintain a clean, hygienic and well-organised dairy shed.

• Handle livestock calmly, safely and with care, ensuring high standards of animal

welfare.

• Identify and report animal health concerns promptly.

• Complete allocated tasks reliably and to the required standard.

• Work cooperatively with the farm team and communicate effectively with

management.

• Take responsibility for equipment, farm facilities and maintaining a tidy working

environment.

• Follow health and safety, environmental and farm biosecurity requirements.

• Contribute positively to the smooth and efficient operation of the farm throughout

the season.

Performance will be assessed through the consistent completion of daily duties,

adherence to farm procedures, quality of work, animal welfare practices, shed hygiene

and teamwork.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

We are looking for someone who is practical, dependable and willing to contribute to all

aspects of dairy farming.

The ideal applicant will have:

• No relevant experience or qualification required, but willing to learn

• A genuine interest in dairy farming and animal care.

• Willingness to learn and develop skills will be considered.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a small team and independently when

required.

• Good communication skills and a positive, can-do attitude.

• Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding animal health and shed hygiene.

• Good time management and the ability to follow instructions and established farm

procedures.

• A willingness to undertake a variety of farm duties in changing weather conditions.

• A commitment to health and safety, animal welfare and environmental

management.

• Physical fitness suitable for the demands of dairy farm work.

• A responsible approach to farm equipment, livestock and property.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• A competitive rate of $26 - $34 per hour, depending on skills and experience.

• Shared accommodation provided as part of the employment package.

• The opportunity to work on a well-established, 300-hectare dairy farm.

• Experience with modern dairy farming practices, including Halter collar technology

and automatic cup removers.

• The opportunity to develop practical skills across milking, animal health, calving

and general farm management.

• A supportive working environment alongside experienced farm owners and an

established team member.

• The opportunity to contribute to a self-contained farming operation with a variety of

seasonal duties.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The Dairy Farm Assistant will report to Melvin Silubrico and work under the direction of

farm owners Jeremy and Anna Hart.

The successful applicant will be expected to follow reasonable instructions, communicate

any operational or animal health concerns and work collaboratively to achieve the farm's

daily and seasonal objectives.