Role Purpose:

The Seasonal Calf Rearer / Relief Milker supports the dairy operation during the busy calving and peak season period. The role is primarily responsible for calf rearing and animal care, with relief milking duties as required to support rostered staff and maintain farm operations.

  • Minimum 30 hours per week guaranteed.  
  • Rostered shifts, including early starts
  • Hours may vary depending on seasonal workload and farm requirements

 

  • Applicants must be physically fit and willing to learn.
  • Applicants must pass pre-employment drug test and have no criminal record.
  • Applicants are not required to have experience in the dairy shed, or with pasture-based farming as this is an entry level role and the employer is willing to provide necessary training.
  • Must have a driver license.
  • Must have four to six months season experience

Skills and Experience

  • Previous dairy farm or calf-rearing experience preferred. 
  • Ability to safely handle livestock.   
  • Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and rostered shifts. 
  • Good physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather.
  • Basic understanding of animal health and welfare (training provided if required)
  • Reliable, hardworkin, and able to follow instructions.

Key Responsibilities

Calf Rearing

  • Feed calves accurately according to farm systems and schedules.  
  • Prepare milk or milk replacer and clean feeding equipment.  
  • Monitor calf health and wellbeing, identifying and reporting illness or injury.   
  • Maintain clean, hygienic calf sheds and pens.   
  • Assist with treatments, weighing, tagging, and record keeping.  Follow animal welfare standards and farm protocols at all times.

Relief Milking

  • Assist with milking cows through the dairy shed as required
  • Set up, operate, and clean milking equipment
  • Assist with yarding, moving, and handling stock
  • Maintain dairy hygiene and follow milking procedures    
  • Support senior staff during peak workloads or staff leave

General Farm Duties

  • Assist with general farm tasks as required during peak season
  • Follow all health and safety policies and procedures
  • Maintain a clean, safe working environment
  •  

Please provide us with information as to your eligibility to work in New Zealand – if you are on a temporary visa or if you are a New Zealand citizen/resident.

Employer Questions

Your application will include the following question(s):

  • Are you a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand resident?
  • If you are in New Zealand but not a NZ citizen/resident, what visa are you currently holding?
  • Do you have any specific accommodation requirements? E.g. Partner, children, pets, own or shared accommodation etc.
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