AB Technician Training - Taranaki

LIC; Hawera; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Job summary

Livestock Improvement Corporation seeks aspiring Artificial Breeding technicians to join their nationwide training and apprenticeship program. You will train for 12 months under seasoned AB technicians, then qualify to work independently as an LIC AB Technician in the following year.

The role emphasizes hands-on insemination work, precise breeding record-keeping, and a strong customer focus within the dairy sector.

Qualifications

• Requirements to work in New Zealand and be comfortable with dairy farming operations.
• Ability to learn and follow standard operating procedures for breeding records.
• Customer-service mindset and reliability during training and apprenticeships.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 12-month apprentice program with supervision by experienced AB technicians.
• Support insemination activities and accurate recording of breeding information.
• Commit to training and successfully completing national unit standards.
• Progress to working independently as an LIC AB Technician in the following year.

Skills

Right to work

Animal affinity

Communication skills

Dairy sector interest

Basic computer literacy

Attention to detail

Driver's licence

Height 160cm+

Physical requirements

Background checks

Job description

Artificial Breeding (AB) technicians are responsible for one of the most important parts of any dairy farmer's seasonal focus - getting cows in-calf.

Each year our team of 900+ AB technicians complete around 4 million inseminations across New Zealand, ensuring the arrival of the next generation of dairy cows and adding value to the genetic improvement in our dairy sector.

Our Artificial Breeding Technician training:

We've been training AB technicians for more than 70 years and are proud of the comprehensive training course we provide.

We aim to train at least 100 new AB technicians each year in seven different training sites throughout New Zealand.

Basic training consists of completing and passing the two-week training course. If successful, you may spend the year as an LIC apprentice. During this time, you will be working alongside an experienced AB technician and required to submit and pass four national unit standards administered by Primary ITO (a nationally recognised training organisation).

On completing and passing all requirements of our 12-month apprentice programme, you may work on your own as a qualified LIC AB Technician the following year.

To train as an AB technician you must have:

• The right to work in New Zealand
• An affinity with animals
• Good communication skills
• A connection or interest in the dairy sector, with a customer focus
• Basic computer literacy (e.g. can you operate a smartphone and iPad)
• Strong attention to detail for accurate recording of breeding information
• A valid driver's licence
• The minimum height requirement to train is 160cm
• Meet the physical requirements of the job
• Pass our pre-employment background checks

Join us this season:

If you are based in Taranaki location and you're interested in joining our team to help farmers breed better cows, This advertisement covers the following locations - Waverly, Hawera, Opunake, Okato, New Plymouth, Waitara, Urenui, Inglewood, Stratford.

Timeline:

• Advertising starts in October 2026 for the 2027 Season.
• Interviews will take place around late January.
• Training will take place in late Summer/Autumn.
• Upon passing the training you may be offered an Apprenticeship to cover the 2026 season. The dates for the season depend on the region of NZ you live in.

Cost of Training:

The cost of training is $989.00 plus GST - required before training commences. This covers your first week of training. Providing you pass your first week of training, we take care of the rest.

Applications Close: 26 February 2027

If you have any pressing questions before applying, please contact our Artificial Breeding Team who will be able to put you in touch with the Regional Manager in your location. 0800 454 222