Herd Manager – Dairy Farm (Ashburton, Canterbury)

Position: Herd Manager
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent (minimum 30 hours per week)
Location: Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Pay Rate: $29.66 – $35.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Accommodation: Shared or single accommodation available

About the Farm

We operate a well-established 1,100-cow dairy farm located in Ashburton, Canterbury. The farm is predominantly flat, allowing for efficient and safe operations, and is equipped with a modern rotary milking shed.

We run structured systems with a strong focus on:

  • Animal welfare
  • Staff wellbeing
  • Health & safety compliance
  • Farm productivity and performance

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to support the day-to-day operations of the farm.

This role requires strong practical dairy farming capability, sound decision-making, and the ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supporting the daily management of the dairy herd, including milking, feeding, and animal health
  • Monitoring herd condition, production, and overall wellbeing
  • Identifying and treating sick or injured animals in line with farm protocols and veterinary guidance
  • Assisting with mating, calving, and seasonal stock management
  • Supporting pasture management and feed allocation
  • Operating tractors and farm machinery for feeding out, pasture management, effluent application, and general farm work
  • Conducting routine tractor checks and basic maintenance to ensure safe operation
  • Following all health and safety procedures when operating machinery
  • Operating and maintaining the rotary milking shed
  • Maintaining accurate records (animal health, treatments, milk quality)
  • Supporting compliance with animal welfare standards and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
  • Assisting with training and supervising junior staff where required

Minimum Skills & Experience (INZ Requirement)

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A relevant Level 4 qualification or higher in agriculture, dairy farming, or a related field
    OR
  • At least 2 years of relevant dairy farming experience in a commercial operation

In addition, applicants must have:

  • Practical experience operating tractors and farm machinery
  • 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
  • Physical fitness and reliability

Pre-Employment Requirements

  • Police check (must return a satisfactory result)
  • Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand
  • References required

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay: $29.66 – $35.00 per hour
  • Minimum 30 hours per week guaranteed
  • Shared or single accommodation provided
  • Supportive and well-structured farm environment
  • Ongoing training and career development opportunities
  • Long-term, stable employment

How to Apply

📩 Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.

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