Agriculture Jobs in Canterbury

195 jobs found

2IC & Farm Assistant

Noelle Fox Farm ConsultantAssistant Manager (2IC)North Canterbury, Canterbury

**Job Description** Assistant Manager (2IC) x1 & Farm Assistant (FA) x1 North Canterbury | 30 Minutes from Christchurch We are seeking a motivated and reliable Assistant Manager (2IC) and Farm Assistant (FA) to join our pasture-focused, profitable dairy farming operation, located just 30 minutes from Christchurch on the doorstep of North Canterbury. This is a great opportunity for someone who is self-motivated, eager to learn, and driven to build a successful long-term career in the dairy industry. **Assistant Manager (2IC) Role** As 2IC, you will work closely with the farm owners and team and be actively involved in all aspects of the farm operation, including: - Milking and animal health - Pasture and feed management - Staff support and supervision - Farm maintenance - Record keeping and compliance You will also have the opportunity to grow your management and financial skills, gaining greater responsibility over time to help prepare you for the next step in your farming career. **Farm Assistant (FA) Role** As Farm Assistant, you will support the day-to-day running of the farm while building strong foundational farming skills. Duties will include: - Milking and general stock work - Calf rearing (seasonal) - Assisting with pasture and feed management - Farm maintenance and general duties - Supporting the wider farm team **What We’re Looking For** - Positive attitude and strong work ethic - Self-motivated and eager to learn - Great communication skills - Ability to work well within a team - Ability to work independently when required - Previous dairy farming experience preferred We offer a supportive team environment, a well-run farm system, and genuine opportunities for growth within the business. If you’re passionate about dairy farming and looking to develop your career in a progressive North Canterbury farming operation, we’d love to hear from you. **Farm Size (ha)** 160 **Peak Herd Size (cows)** 400 **Typical On-farm Staff** 2.5 **Position Start Date** 01/06/2026 **Accommodation available** On farm housing available **Hour Type** negotiable **Average Hours Per week** 45 **Roster** By negotiation **Remuneration paid by** By Negotiation

3w ago

Dairy Farm Assistant - First steps to your dream job!!

KGFarm AssistantSelwyn District, Canterbury

Are you a self motivated team player, with a great work ethic? Are you looking for a chance to learn everything you need to grow your dairy career? Then look no more! Due to one of our team leaving to pursue a different career path, we are now on the hunt for our next super star in the making!!! We milk our beautiful herd of 250 cows through a 44 bale rotary shed close to Leeston, we also have a run-off near the farm where we rear all our young stock. Being this close to Christchurch you will have plenty to do on your days off! Our ideal Candidate would be someone who is prepared to listen and learn, is reliable and honest as well as someone who is prepared to roll up their sleeves and get the jobs done, so everyone can go home and enjoy a well earned rest at the end of the day, as we are only a small team (you will be working alongside 2 other people) we all muck in and help each other, you will not hear "that's not my job" on our farm! If all of the above sounds like you and you have not experience do not let this put you off applying as we love to teach people and watch them grow in this very rewarding industry. Salary will be negotiated depending on experience. Lastly we are a drug free farm and may from time to time undertake random drug testing, we also require a clean criminal record. Pet cats are allowed but definitely no Dogs!

3w ago

Farm Assistant or 2IC | Future Management Opportunity

Jezza's HeifersAssistant Manager (2IC)Mount Somers, Canterbury

We are seeking a capable and motivated dairy farmer to join our operation as a Farm Assistant or Assistant Manager (2IC) depending on experience. This position has become available as a long-term staff member of nearly a decade moves on to a new career. We are now looking for someone who is ready to step up, take ownership, and grow toward farm management. This role will suit someone who wants to progress toward management rather than remain in a long-term junior position. For the right person, this role offers a clear pathway toward greater responsibility and leadership within the farm business. The Farm Our farm is a 130ha milking platform running 450 Jersey cows in the Canterbury foothills at Mount Somers. Farm infrastructure includes: - 36-aside herringbone shed with ARC - Twice-daily milking - Dryland (non-irrigated) - K-line effluent system - Small, efficient team structure Our friendly Jersey herd is quiet and great to work with, making day-to-day stock handling straightforward and enjoyable. We run a simple, practical farming system where good pasture management, animal health, and efficient routines are priorities. Because we are a smaller operation, the successful applicant will gain exposure to all aspects of farm management, not just day-to-day milking. The Opportunity This role would suit someone who: - Wants to develop leadership and management capability - Enjoys taking responsibility and contributing ideas - Is motivated to progress to a senior role within the next few years We place strong value on autonomy, and staff are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute ideas that improve how the farm operates. Depending on experience, the successful applicant may take responsibility for areas such as: - Day-to-day team coordination - Grazing management - K-line management - Calf rearing systems - Machinery operation and maintenance - Animal health treatments Roster 11 days on / 3 days off - negotiable This typically provides every second weekend (Friday–Sunday) off. We place value on efficiency and good planning rather than long hours, allowing flexibility when workload allows. What We Offer - 4-bedroom house included - Competitive salary package ($70,000 – $90,000 depending on experience) (This figure includes the accommodation value.) - Supportive working relationship - Genuine opportunity to progress toward farm management - Potential partner work opportunities - Start date: Flexible for the right applicant - Lifestyle location in the Canterbury foothills Location – Mount Somers Mount Somers offers a fantastic rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, including: - Ashburton Lakes - Hiking and hunting - Mt Hutt ski field - 30 minutes to Ashburton or Methven Requirements Applicants must: - Already be living in New Zealand - Hold a full, clean driver’s licence - Have no criminal convictions - Be willing to work in a drug-free workplace - Provide two recent farm references

3w ago

Junior Manager/2ic

TJLAssistant Manager (2IC)Hinds, Canterbury

**Job Description** Junior manager/2IC Dairy Farm Position We are seeking a motivated and capable 2IC (Second in Charge) or trainee manager to join our team on a 550-cow dairy farm. Our farm operates a 40-aside herringbone shed and you will be working alongside two other team members in a supportive environment. This role suits someone who is confident stepping into a leadership position and helping run the day-to-day operations of the farm. **Key Responsibilities** - Assist with the day-to-day management of the farm - Support and help manage staff - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed - Animal health, pasture management, and general farm duties - Taking responsibility for farm operations when the manager is off-farm You’ll be working alongside two other team members in a team-focused environment where respect, communication, and helping each other succeed are a big priority. We run an additional farm 5km away and are hands on employers. This role would suit someone who enjoys leading by example, supporting teammates, and keeping the farm running smoothly day-to-day. **About the Role** - Assist with the day-to-day running of the farm - Support and help manage staff, creating a positive and productive team culture - Milking in a 40-aside herringbone shed - Animal health, pasture management, and general farm duties - Step into a leadership role when the manager is off-farm **What We’re Looking For** - Solid dairy farming experience - Someone who values teamwork and contributes to a positive work environment - Ability to communicate clearly and support others in the team - Reliable, organised, and able to take initiative - Confidence to help coordinate daily tasks and keep things running well **What We Offer** - A supportive team culture where everyone works together - Opportunity to grow leadership and management skills - Competitive remuneration based on experience - A well-run farm where people and animals are both looked after We believe good farms are built on good teams, and we’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of that. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with a short introduction and your CV.

3w ago

2IC- 900 Cows Methven

37244 DromonaAssistant Manager (2IC)Methven, Canterbury

Do you want to be involved in well established 900 cow Dryland dairy farm near Methen? We have an opportunity for someone to join our capable team on a grass based system with pasture management being critical to everything we do. Cows are milked through a simple 50 bail rotary and are wintered on farm, heifers are milked OAD all season, all calves are reared for our separate beef farm. You will be involved in all aspects of the day to day management of 900 cows from milking to pasture management. We are looking for: - Minimum 3 years NZ dairy experience - Pasture management skills - assessing & planning - Strong references - we will be calling them - Reliable, self motivated, team player - Genuinely like cows & want the best for them We are offering: - Competitive salary - negotiable on experience - 3 bedroom house - Supportive, stable team environment - Ability to take time off during the season - Great location, schools, school bus & community - Methven is well recognized as being a great place to live & work If this sounds like something that you would like, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us about you, what you're looking for, what you like doing outside of work, how a great job like this in Methven would fit into your plans/goals, we want to know about you. We will not contact any applicants who do not send a cover letter about themselves.

3w ago

Senior Herd Manager/2IC

JMO DAIRIES LIMITEDAssistant Manager (2IC)Dunsandel, Canterbury

We are looking for a honest and reliable person to join our team of 3. We are milking 620 cows on a 40 aside herringbone shed. Roster will be single rotation, 6 on 2 off. The farm is located in Dunsandel area, 15 minutes to Rolleston. Great location as it is on the thriving and fastest growing district of New Zealand, Selwyn District. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to step up in their career. As 2ic you will be required to work along aside the contract milker and assist in managing the day-to-day running of the farm which includes taking charge when the contract milker is off farm. Taking a leadership role around the staff and good communication are important. Other tasks include milking, animal husbandry and feeding, farm walks, operating the tractor and roto rainer, and other farm maintenance. A good attitude and understanding of the day to day work on the farm is a must. You must be proactive at work. Minimum of 3 years NZ dairy farming experience is required. Must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment drug test is required. Farm Size (ha): 164 Peak Herd Size (cows): 620 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 bedroom brick house, double glazed with heat pump. No pets Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): 80,000-85,000

3w ago

Farm Assistant

Midway Dairies LtdFarm AssistantDunsandel, Canterbury

**Job Description** What we are looking for We are seeking a reliable and motivated Farm Assistant for the 2026/27 season. This role works under the Assistant Manager and 2IC and will support them with the day-to-day running of the farm. There will also be additional staffing for part of the year to support calving and mating. On farm staff will also be supported by the Sharemilkers, who will not be on the farm full time. Our priorities are strong pasture management, running an efficient and well-organised system, and excellent animal health. We aim to be proactive rather than reactive, planning to achieve consistent and sustainable results. This role would suit someone who already has some dairy farming experience and is keen to develop their skills further in a supportive environment. **About the farm** - 10 minutes west of Dunsandel - 700 cows on a 205ha effective dairy platform (wintering off farm) - 50 bail rotary with in-shed feeding and ACRs - Good reliable irrigation with 7 pivots and approximately 20ha of K-line - Spring calving, grass-based system - Effluent spread via an underslung system on one of the pivots - 10-year conversion with good infrastructure **Key responsibilities** - Carrying out daily tasks as directed by the Assistant Manager and 2IC - Milking efficiently while maintaining a high level of milk quality and shed hygiene - Assisting with heat detection and calving checks - Supporting animal health and welfare, including identifying issues and assisting with treatments - Helping with feed management, pasture work and irrigation checks - Maintaining plant hygiene and assisting with basic plant maintenance - Assisting with general farm maintenance and upkeep of buildings and equipment - Supporting the wider farm team to ensure daily operations run smoothly **Skills and experience required** - Previous dairy farming experience preferred (ideally 1–2 seasons in New Zealand, but not essential) - Good work ethic and ability to work as part of a team - Willingness to learn and develop dairy farming skills - Basic understanding of animal health and milking routines - Ability to operate tractors and farm machinery safely (training can be provided) **What we offer** - Modern shared accommodation (shared living for calving/mating, separate bedroom with ensuite) - Modern and well-maintained farming operation - A positive and supportive workplace environment - Opportunity to grow your skills and progress within the dairy industry - Competitive remuneration, based on experience This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build their dairy farming experience and develop their skills while working alongside an experienced team. Applicants must currently live in New Zealand and hold a valid visa that allows them to work. We are not accredited employers. To apply please send through a cover letter and current CV with two contactable references.

3w ago

Herd Manager

37427 Canlac HoldingsHerd ManagerMultiple farms, Canterbury

After 8 years we have a rare opportunity. We are looking for a Senior Herd Manager after our long standing staff member is moving on. So if you are a GREAT Herd Manager. We’re looking for a GREAT Herd Manager!! If you're interested in being part of a top performing dairy farm and team, then read on. We're an established business with the ability to implement good systems and have set the farm up with state of the art facilities so things can be done well. If you're passionate about dairy farming and want to be part of a high performing team please contact us. The role is part of a combined self contained business involving 3 dairy farms, two support blocks with a total of 15-16 permanent staff, 1164 effective hectares of spray-irrigated paddocks, three cowsheds (2 x 50 bale 1 x 60 bale) 13 pivots, 4 Rotorainers, 600 cow feed pad, and modern housing and farm machinery. The ideal candidate must have a positive attitude, be physically able and willing to work to a roster, and have a clean drivers' license. Agricultural qualification and/or 3-5 years prior dairy farming experience ideal. Farm Size (ha): 275 Peak Herd Size (cows): 1150 Typical On-farm Staff: 5 Accommodation available: Modern accommodation. Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Single rotation - 6 Days on / 2 days Off Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

3w ago

Herd Manager

J and C Dairy ltdHerd ManagerRangitata, Canterbury

Our contract Milking company has a really great opportunity for someone to come on board and be the Herd Manager to work alongside the contract Milker. The farm winters 870 predominantly cross bred cows and is located in Rangitata just 12mins from Geraldine or 15 minutes to Temuka in South Canterbury. Ashburton and Timaru are 40minutes in either direction with Christchurch just an hour and a half away. The farm is owned by a local Family operated, industry leading agricultural organization giving access to a lot of wonderful people and resources and the opportunity be a part of a much wider team. The role would see the Herd Manager working closely with the contract milker to deliver for the owners outcomes that everyone will be proud of. Responsibilities will be but not restricted to, - - Pasture management and feed allocation as per plan by owners, farm consultant and contract milker as well as winter feed allocation and understanding feed budgets. - Shed hygiene and milk quality ensuring that day to day operation adheres to the Fonterra Co Operative difference program. - Assisting in Managing the team of people in absence of manager or Contract Milker, and allocating time for duties to be done in a timely manner with a focus on efficiency and productivity. - Animal health using collar data and good animal husbandry and having a good knowledge of animal health and treatments. - Maintaining machinery and operating machinery on the farm. - Actively implement H&S procedures and training programs. - Recording data and using Minda/Protrack and Sensehub. 2 years NZ Dairy Farming experience is critical along with a level 3 relevant qualification. This position is available to New Zealand citizens and residents, and those who are currently working in the New Zealand dairy industry on a work visa. Farm Size (ha): 230 Peak Herd Size (cows): 870 Typical On-farm Staff: 4 Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: single bedroom self contained unit with covered parking. Hour Type: week Average Hours Per week: 45 Roster: Double rotation - 8 Days on / 2 days Off - 8 Days on / 3 days Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): $80000.00 before Tax

1mo ago

Farm Assistant (Experience is not a requirement)

Winnhill LtdFarm AssistantMayfield, Canterbury

Due to expanding, we are looking for a motivated and reliable Farm Assistant, who wants to be a part of a team where knowledge is passed on and work/life balance is valued. People are the main reason for our success so we have a strong focus on employing people with good attitudes and growing them into great farmers. We are patient to find the best fit for our team. The farm is currently being converted with the dairy shed being built now to be ready for next season. The farm will be 230 ha, peak milking 900 cows through a brand new 60 bail rotary with automatic cup removers, pro track, and in-shed feeding. All cows will be equipped with Tru-Test active ear tags. The farm is located in Mayfield and is fully irrigated with centre pivots and one roto-rainer. The successful applicant will have: - Good attitude and communication skills - Willingness to learn new skills and knowledge - Works well in a team Experience is a bonus but not a requirement, as we enjoy developing people and are willing to put the time into training. We can offer: - A positive team environment and encouragement of on and off farm training and development - Management that focuses on supporting each team member on achieving their goals - Strong focus on people, pasture, and animal wellbeing - Reliable and well maintained equipment - An employer that strives for best practice - Warm and fully furnished accommodation If this opportunity is of interest to you, please apply online with your cover letter, and CV with at least 2 appropriate references including your current employer. Applicants MUST be currently in New Zealand, eligible to work here, no criminal history, and happy to undergo a pre-employment drug test.

1mo ago

Herd Manager

TomaraHerd ManagerHinds, Canterbury

We are looking for a keen enthusiastic person to join our team in Hinds milking 900 cows through a 60 bail fully automated Waikato shed. Irrigation is done by centre pivot, one turbo Rainer and corner sprinklers. We are looking for someone with a good attitude and take pride in their work. This position is a bit different to most as you won't be in the shed milking too often as we have a full time relief milker. To apply for this job you must be able to drive tractors; we do a good bit of pre mowing in front of cows with triple mowers and use a mixer wagon through winter and spring. So only apply if you're confident in driving big machinery and are able to maintain them to a high standard, along with various other tractor work as well as the usual dairy farm work. The job comes with the opportunity to grow; we all work as a team, and there are no job titles here, everyone gets a good variety.

1mo ago

Farm Assistant - Passionate and progressive person 1350 cows

Redflok Dairy LtdFarm AssistantMayfield, Canterbury

We have an exciting opportunity for two motivated Farm Assistant to join our team in Mayfield from 2nd June 2026. (We are the new Contract milkers for the farm this coming season). The farm is 5 minutes from Mayfield milking 1350 cows through an 80 bale shed, with in shed feeding. We are adopting Halter technology, along with automatic drafting systems to support efficient forward thinking farm management. We are not accredited employers so only apply if you are currently eligible to work in NZ. Key Tasks & Responsibilities: - Milking 1350 cows, with good hygiene practices and maintain a clean dairy shed. - Strong focus on animal health and welfare. - Record health treatments and resolve milk quality issues. - Follow all farm health and safety protocols. Identify hazards, report incidents, training provided. - Safely using and maintaining farm vehicles and equipment. - Control weeds, and keep a tidy workplace and house. - Contribute effectively to the team culture and meetings. - Input into feed calculations, along with team and halter. Experience & Skills Required: - Motivated to build a career in dairy farming. - Experience not necessary however the right attitude matters. - If you have experience that is great. - Strong work ethic and ability to be efficient and focus on tasks and complete to a high standard. - Operate in a multicultural team, and have a collaborative team environment. - Awareness of health and safety requirements which must be adhered to. - Have a stock sense or understanding of animals and welfare of animals. - Operate a two wheel motorbike. (training can be provided) - Have good to excellent communication skills including verbal, written and electronic. - Into technology, a lot of apps used on phone. - Positive attitude and willingness to learn. - Understand the basics of Dairy farming. - Have a valid drivers license. - Drug free. Hourly rate - You will be guaranteed 30 hours per week but averaging 40+ for majority of the season. Roster will be 6 on, 2 off roster. If you have a can do attitude and wanting to grow in the dairy industry we are passionate about helping support people achieve their goals, with regular catch ups working through development plans to learn new skills. We love seeing people progress in the industry, so if this sounds like you, apply now. Working with a previous "NZ Manager of the year" title winner, you will be in the right hands to achieve your goals, and be supported well. We look forward to hearing from you. 2 bed or 1 bed unit available. Benefits: - PPE allowance. - Phone allowance. - Internet allowance. - Great roster (work life balance). - Paid for the hours worked. - Great team environment. - Achieve goals. We are not accredited employers so only apply if you are currently eligible to work in NZ.

1mo ago

Assistant Manager/ 2ic

PariteaAssistant Manager (2IC)Eyrewell Forest, Canterbury

**Job Description- Assistant Manager (2ic) - Paritea** Paritea is looking for a passionate, reliable and capable 2IC to join our team on a high performing, well established corporate farm sharemilking 1130 spring calving cows, beginning at the start of the 26 season. This position is an important leadership role that supports the farm manager to ensure smooth operating of a high performing farm and team. This is a farm that takes immense pride in its performance, animal welfare and presentation. Attention to detail and a drive to help the farm succeed is essential for this role. **MUST BE A NZ RESIDENT** **A bit about the farm:** - Milking 1130 cross bred cows across 353 effective Ha. - Industry leading facilities and presentation. - A Halter farm. - 64 bale Waikato rotary with protrack, in-bale teat spray, cup removers, protrack and in-shed feeding. - Irrigated water and effluent by 3 VRI pivots. - Large Modern calf rearing facilities. - Part of a larger farming corporate which completes all young stock, wintering and supplement production in house. - A farm that works hard whilst retaining a good work life balance through the calmer times of year, workplace enjoyment and a positive, caring environment. **The Role:** - Support the farm manager to run efficient daily operations and lead the team in the absence of the manager with passion and problem solving. - This is a farm where attention to detail and a drive to improve matters, lead by example with standards and work ethic, and support the team to progress and improve on their skills and goals. - Maintain and drive the farms high standards of presentation, shed hygiene, animal welfare, health and safety. - Operate and assist to maintain machinery and implements. - Oversee animal welfare and health. - Assist with feed budgeting, allocation and pasture management. **What we are looking for:** - Minimum 3+ years dairy experience. - Experience with large herds, multiple staff and a busy environment. - Strong knowledge and skills in animal health, pasture management and problem solving. - Ability to work unsupervised and within a team. - Practically minded and able to operate and maintain machinery confidently. - Common sense with a strong attention to detail, takes pride in their work and is willing to go the extra mile. - Ability to lead, motivate and progress others. - Technology modern farming savvy - this farm uses Halter and various apps and computer programs in its daily operations. **What we offer:** - Modern 3-bedroom double glazed and fully insulated house with carport, heat pump and native hedged surround. - 6 on 2 off roster, 6 on 1 off for 5 weeks over calving. - Modern Facilities. - Monthly bbq’s with the other farms within the corporate, and an internal farming community that helps each other out with stack coverings, yard work and wintering providing an opportunity to meet other people within the overall Ngai Tahu Farming business. - 3 in 2 milkings from January. - Opportunity for career progression and external learning. - Attractive remuneration based on experience. - Close proximity to local schools, 30 minutes to Rangiora and 45 minutes to Christchurch Airport. - An environment that drives and supports you to excel and be the best you can. If this is a position you are interested in and you want to take the next step in progressing your career within the modern dairy industry, please apply with a CV and cover letter.

1mo ago

Progressive animal lover apply here!

TJLHerd ManagerHinds, Canterbury

Senior Dairy Farm Assistant or Herd Manager– 2025/26 Season New Farm | Great Team | Big Opportunities Keen to be part of something new and exciting? We’re looking for a motivated Dairy Farm Assistant or Herd manager to join us for the 2025/26 season on a new farm, where culture, performance, and people genuinely matter. We’re a supportive, positive team who enjoy the work we do and look out for each other — but we’re also serious about farming well. We have high expectations when it comes to animal health, pasture management, milk quality, and hitting industry targets. If you take pride in doing a job properly and want to keep lifting your standards, you’ll fit right in. This role is milking 540 cows in a 40aside herringbone. What you can expect: - A fun, respectful, and well-organised work environment - Clear systems and expectations - Supportive employers who value good communication - Opportunities for training, upskilling, and career progression within the dairy industry - A new-farm set-up with a focus on efficiency and best practice What we’re looking for: - A positive attitude and strong work ethic - Willingness to learn and take feedback on board - Pride in animal welfare and farm presentation - Commitment to meeting production and industry targets - Dairy experience preferred, but not essential for the right person If you’re keen to grow your skills, be part of a high-performing team, and enjoy coming to work each day, we’d love to hear from you. We have a track record of top performance and growing our people so if you want to further your career come and work for us! NOTE: MUST BE IN NEW ZEALAND and have eligible visa. We are accredited but we are NOT supporting entry into NZ. We are however, willing to work with successful applicant in NZ with appropriate visa. Farm Size (ha): 142 Peak Herd Size (cows): 540 Typical On-farm Staff: 3+ Calf rearer Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: 3 Bedroom home with section- Healthy homes standards Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 50 Roster: Double rotation - 5 Days on / 2 days Off - 6 Days on / 1 day Off Remuneration paid by: Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits) Remuneration if Total Package Value (e.g. Salary and/or benefits): TBC- Negotiable- 70+k

1mo ago

Calf Rearer

Bainne Beo DairiesFarm AssistantRakaia, Canterbury

**Job Description** What we are looking for: We are currently recruiting a head calf rearer for the 2026 season. We place a strong emphasis on the welfare and nutrition of our animals, so the ideal candidate will demonstrate genuine care, patience, and strong attention to detail to ensure our young stock receive the best possible start. You must have willingness to learn and take feedback on board. **About the farm** Based in Bankside, just 5 minutes from Rakaia town, 25 minutes to Ashburton and 45 minutes to Christchurch. - 1250 kiwi cross cows on a 306ha effective dairy platform. - Spring calving, grass based system. - 300 heifer replacements reared each year, along with 950 bull calves reared to 4 days old. - Well maintained farm, good layout with separate shed for bull calves and heifer calves. - Hours negotiable. Could possibly be flexible i.e. with hours for school runs etc. **Key responsibilities** - Confident handling young stock. - Tubing calves. - Training calves to teat feeder. - Rearing 300 heifer replacements to weaning weight. - Rearing 950 bull calves to 4 days old. - Picking up on any sick calves early and treating them accordingly. - Reporting health issues. - Shed hygiene and keeping equipment clean. - Maintaining a high standard of animal welfare and hygiene. **Skills & experience required** Ideally we are looking for someone with good experience with rearing calves and have at least done 2 seasons. However, we may consider applicants with limited experience but with the right attitude. This position would be ideal for a drive in position, although there is shared accommodation available on farm. You will be the main calf rearer with some help from on farm staff at times if needed during the busy days. Therefore, you will need to have the ability to follow instructions and good time-management is a must. **What we offer** - Competitive hourly rate of pay. - Shared on farm accommodation. - Good calf shed facilities and systems. - Happy and positive work environment. - Support, help and advice with calves when needed. Applicants must currently live in New Zealand or hold a valid visa that allows you to work. We are not accredited employers. To apply please send a cover letter and your current CV with 2 contactable references.

1mo ago

Dairy Farm Assistant

Rondina Dairy LtdFarm AssistantClandeboye, Canterbury

We are looking for passionate and motivated farm assistant to join our team. 430 cows peak milked 36 aside herringbone located in clandeboye, 15 mins to temuka. Experience not vital for this role, great attitude is more important, someone who has keen for dairy farming and looking to grow into the role. Physically fit and good health. The Role; - Day-to-day farm operation - Daily milking, shed hygiene and maintenance - Animal health management and treatments - Setting up paddock and break fences - Tractor experience is a real bonus. The ideal applicant must be willing to undergo a drug test, have valid driver license, can provide at least two good work references and must have the legal rights to work in New Zealand (Valid NZ work visa or NZ resident/Citizen)

1mo ago

Senior Farm Operator/2IC Contracting Manager - BEEF OPERATION

DM LtdAssistant Manager (2IC)Waimakariri District, Canterbury

This is an exciting new role within our organisation. We are after someone who will take a senior role in our beef operation. You will be required to work with stock and must have 2 good working dogs that are under excellent command. You will be required to also be operating machinery/tractor work of all types from paddock preparation, planting grasses and crops right through to harvesting. We have our own contracting gear and this will be a hands on job with a huge amount of variety working in some outstanding local properties. You will have excellent references and have proven experience already in these skills. The intention for this position is to have a 12-18 month 'lead in' period giving you time to know and understand the business operating requirements, and to then move into a Senior Operations type position. From the 'get go' you will need to show strengths in communication, initiative, be highly skilled in many aspects of farming, motivated and efficient while taking charge and leading from the front. You need to have a practical brain and be able to plan ahead. This will be a challenging role, that requires you to have excellent relationships with the farm owners, staff, stock agents and representatives etc. You need to have the drive and true desire to extend yourself. Effectively this is like an "apprenticeship" to prove you are capable and the right mix to move through the ranks quickly to become an Operations Manager type position. You need the skill now, but be prepared to show you are capable for the future roll. Back yourself/prove yourself. This truly can lead to being the best job out there!! Summary of Requirements: - Livestock skills, good all round farming skills eg. fencing, problem solving, observant - 2 cattle working dogs - Excellent communicator and personable - Shows initiative and common sense - Practical - Skillful Machinery operator of many types - Mechanical - Motivated, driven and efficient - Want to make a difference - Positive attitude - Fit, healthy and strong - Full & current clear driver's licence - Drug Free - Must be living and working in NZ currently. We are not Visa accredited - Great family home available.

1mo ago

Assistant Farm Manager - 2 IC

AnonymousAssistant Manager (2IC)Kaikoura, Canterbury

We are a family run farm located within easy access of the town of Kaikoura. Situated between the mountains and the sea, our farm is well located to take advantage of the hunting and fishing opportunities that Kaikoura offers. Schools, supermarket and services are all close by. We are looking for an experienced person keen to progress in the Dairy industry. The successful applicant will work with the Operations/Farm Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the farm. A good level of Animal Husbandry knowledge and skills is required. Applicants should be confident in calving cows, Administering calcium packs to Milk Fever cows and treating lame cows. A good understanding of Grazing management is preferable, although training will be given and will be ongoing. This farm is irrigated with Ocmis irrigators and K-line. We have our own run off which winters the majority of the dairy cows on Kale and grass. The successful applicant should have: - good communication skills - a positive attitude - be a good team player but also happy to work on their own - minimum of 2 years experience on a NZ farm - a high level of animal husbandry skills - a good understanding of pasture management - proficient in most standard dairy farm tasks - high standards with regard to cow shed hygiene and plant cleaning - good tractor and machinery skills The roster is 11 days on /3 days off for August, September, October and November, then 5 days on 2 days off for the rest of the year (8 months).

1mo ago

DAIRY FARM ASSISTANT AT LVFL

LVFLFarm AssistantCanterbury, Canterbury

**Job Description** **Feed Production Management** • Assist with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate. • Assist to manage weeds and pests to maintain pasture and crops. • Milking • Maintain all appropriate effluent management records. • Know what to do when things go wrong. **Animals** • Implement animal health program to maintain good health. • Assist with calving and the calf rearing program to achieve minimal losses and ensure high quality replacements are available for the herd. • Assist to manage repairs and maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery and infrastructure. • Ensure all relevant company policies are understood and adhered to. Experience/qualification is an advantage but not essential. • Dedication, commitment and willing to learn are the traits we are looking for.

1mo ago

Farm Manager

37012Farm ManagerMid Canterbury, Canterbury

We are looking for a Farm Manager to join our team in the Mayfield/Carew Area for the upcoming Dairy Season. The Manager will be responsible for the daily operation of the shed and running of the 600 cow farm. The farm is fully spray irrigated with a 40 ASHB Shed with in-shed feeding and Protrak. It is important that the Manager is able to work with us to meet the farms targets while making sure that it is a positive and enjoyable environment for all staff. You need to have excellent communication skills and be able to lead the team confidently while being an active team member. We are looking for someone that has an eye for detail, proven stockmanship and be able to feed the cows efficiently to get optimal production. Must be able to embrace technology as we have Halter on the milking platform and winter grazing block. It is important that you are able to keep all required records for the farming operation. Applicants must have experience working in the New Zealand Dairy Farming Industry. Someone with Management experience would be preferred, but this could be the ideal opportunity for the right person to progress in the dairy industry into a Management Role, if they were to display the right attitude and skill base, as support can be given. Please apply online by including your CV with at least the details of two references that we can contact. Farm Size (ha): 158 Peak Herd Size (cows): 600 Typical On-farm Staff: 3 plus casual Position Start Date: 01/06/2026 Accommodation available: Three Bedroom Family Home. Two local Primary Schools with bus services, Secondary School bus close by. 25mins to Ashburton and 20mins to Geraldine. Hour Type: negotiable Average Hours Per week: 45-50 Roster: By negotiation Remuneration paid by: By Negotiation

1mo ago
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