Herd Manager

Herd Manager – Dairy Farm (Ashburton, Canterbury)

Position: Herd Manager
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Ashburton, Canterbury – New Zealand
Pay Rate: $29.66 – $35.00 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications)
Accommodation: Shared accommodation provided

About the Farm

We operate a well-established 1,200-cow dairy farm located in Ashburton, Canterbury. The farm is predominantly flat, allowing for efficient and safe farm operations, and is equipped with a rotary milking shed. We run structured systems with a strong focus on animal welfare, staff wellbeing, health & safety, and farm performance.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to support the day-to-day management of our dairy operation. This role is central to the effective running of the farm.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong practical dairy skills, sound decision-making, and a commitment to best-practice farming.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing daily support in the  management of the dairy herd, including milking, feeding, and animal health

• Monitoring herd condition, production, and wellbeing

• Identifying and treating sick or injured animals in line with farm SOPs and veterinary direction

• Providing support in managing mating, calving, and seasonal stock movements

• Assisting with pasture management and feed allocation

• Operating and maintaining the rotary milking shed and other farm machinery safely

• Maintaining accurate records (animal health, treatments, milk quality)

• Supporting compliance with animal welfare standards, farm policies, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

• Assisting with training and supervising junior staff where required

Skills & Experience Required

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in agriculture, dairy farming, or a related field
  OR

• At least 2 years’ relevant dairy farming experience, preferably in large-scale dairy operations

Additional requirements:

• Sound knowledge of dairy farming systems

• Strong animal husbandry skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Good communication and time-management skills

• Physically fit, reliable, and safety-conscious

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Police check required (satisfactory outcome)

• Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand

• References will be required

What We Offer

• Competitive pay: $29.66 – $35.00 per hour

• Shared accommodation provided

• Supportive, well-structured farm environment

• Opportunities for ongoing development and career progression

• Long-term, stable employment

📩 To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.