The Dairy Farm Maintenance Assistant supports the day-to-day operation of a large-scale dairy farm by carrying out general farm maintenance, equipment handling, and operational support tasks. The role has a strong focus on maintaining farm infrastructure, supporting animal welfare standards, and assisting senior farm staff to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient farm operations.

While the primary focus of the role is maintenance and support work, the position may also provide occasional assistance with milking duties as required.

  • Minimum 30 hours per week guaranteed. 
  • Employee housing is provided on-site, and applicants must reside in the farm accommodation. No drive-in options available.
  • Accommodation may be shared or private, depending on availability at the time of successful placement. No pets allowed.

Skills & Requirements

  • Tertiary education;and/or
  • 1 year of General Maintenance or Workshop Support work experience
  • Must be physically fit
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must provide a CV Must provide verifiable references of previous employment history
  • Must have a driver licence
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on practical skills
  • Mechanical, industrial, construction, or maintenance experience preferred
  • Experience using hand tools, power tools and basic repairs of equipment. 
  • Experience in safety-focused or regulated work environments beneficial 
  • Reliable, trustworthy, and physically fit for farm work
  • Strong awareness of health and safety requirements
  • Willingness to learn dairy farming systems and adapt to a rural environment
  • Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team

Key Responsibilities: 

Farm Maintenance & Infrastructure

  • Carry out general maintenance of farm buildings, fences, yards, and farm infrastructure
  • Work on basic repairs using hand and power tools
  • Support welding, fabrication, cutting, grinding, and fitting tasks as required
  • Install, repair, and upkeep of farm pipework and equipment
  • Maintain tidy, safe, and functional work areas

Equipment & Operational Support

  • Safely operate and handle farm tools, machinery, and equipment
  • Prepare, organize, and movement of materials and equipment
  • Support loading and unloading of supplies and equipment as required
  • Follow operational instructions to support daily farm activities

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all farm health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices
  • Identify hazard, site inspections, and incident reporting
  • Maintain a strong safety-first approach at all times
  • Support emergency response procedures and first aid requirements if needed

General Farm Support

  • Assist senior farm staff with routine farm operations as directed
  • May assist the team on the ground, including supporting the milking shed team during busy periods, staff leave, or operational requirements
  • Support animal welfare standards through safe and careful work practices
  • Work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced rural 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.