🐄 Dairy Herd Manager

Highflow Dairies is looking for a dairy herd manager to join our fram team.

Location: Southland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Minimum Hours: 30 hours per week guaranteed
Roster: 8 days on / 2 days off, then 8 days on / 3 days off (rotating)
Pay Rate: $35.00 per hour

On-farm accommodation is provided. Any terms relating to accommodation (including any applicable rent) will be confirmed in writing prior to commencement in accordance with relevant employment and tenancy legislation.

We operate a dairy farm milking approximately 575 cows across two herds through a 40-aside herringbone shed. We are seeking an experienced Dairy Herd Manager to support day-to-day herd operations, milking efficiency, and animal health performance.

✅ Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• At least 2 years’ dairy farming experience (pasture-based systems preferred) and/or relevant tertiary agricultural qualification

• A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above (or equivalent)

• Physical fitness to safely perform farm duties

• Ability to work a rostered system including early starts and weekends

• Good communication and ability to follow farm procedures

• Reliable work history with verifiable references

• Right to work in New Zealand (citizen, resident, or valid work visa)

Pre-employment requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test

• Must provide a CV and references

🐄 Key Responsibilities

Milking Operations

• Assist with and carry out milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed

• Maintain high standards of milk quality, hygiene, and plant cleanliness

• Support somatic cell count and grade-free milk production standards

Animal Health & Reproduction

• Monitor herd health and assist with treatment of common conditions

• Support calving, mating, and reproduction recording

• Maintain accurate animal health and herd records

Feeding & Pasture

• Assist with pasture allocation, feed planning, and supplementation

• Support pasture and crop management for optimal utilisation

• Assist with implementation of fertiliser and irrigation requirements

Effluent & Environment

• Operate and maintain effluent systems in line with council compliance

• Support environmental best practice and record keeping

• Report hazards and assist with environmental improvement initiatives

Farm Operations & Equipment

• Assist with maintenance of farm infrastructure, machinery, and equipment

• Follow repair and maintenance schedules as directed

Health & Safety

• Comply with all workplace Health and Safety procedures

• Use required PPE at all times

• Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly

Team Support

• Assist in training and supporting junior staff

• Communicate effectively within the farm team

• Follow farm policies and contribute to efficient farm operations

 Employment Conditions

• Guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week

• Average hours typically between 35-45 per week

• Work is rostered on an 8:2 / 8:3 rotation

• Work includes early mornings and weekend shifts as per roster

• On-farm accommodation is provided. Any rent or deductions (if applicable) will be agreed in writing in accordance with employment and tenancy legislation prior to commencement

📌 Additional Information

• This role is full-time and long-term

• Work is physically demanding and outdoors in all weather conditions

• Accommodation is available on-farm (terms confirmed prior to employment)