Assistant Farm Manager - Ohakune

Trades Workforce Solutions; Ohakune; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization in Ohakune seeks an Assistant Farm Manager to help run daily operations on a 270ha farming platform. This role involves supporting team leadership, ensuring high standards in dairy routines, and effective pasture management. Candidates should have 2-3 years of relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to nurturing people and land. A competitive salary package and off-farm accommodation are offered to the right candidate.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Off-farm accommodation

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years' Assistant Farm Management experience.
• Confidence directing a team.
• Capability across pasture management and dairy fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Farm Manager in day-to-day operations.
• Ensure high standards and support on-farm culture.
• Guide the team through daily plans and animal care.

Skills

Pasture management

Dairy fundamentals

Team leadership

Clear communication

Follow-through

Job description

Care for the Land, People & Animals & Deliver Results

700 cows I 44 ASHB I effective 270 ha

Are you ready to step in where you can lead people, lift performance, and farm with purpose — in one of the North Island’s most iconic locations?

This is Assistant Farm Manager opportunity at Ātihau-Whanganui (Awhi) in Ohakune — where “Awhi” means to embrace, support and nurture, and where the mindset is simple: look after nature so nature looks after us.

The farm

Based on Old Station Road, Ohakune, this is a 270ha milking platform with a 60ha runoff, running a 700-cow predominantly Friesian herd. The farm produces 279,000 kgms and milks TAD, spring calving and is set up with a 44-aside herringbone, in-shed feeding, auto drafting and Halter wearables.

The role

You’ll be the Farm Manager’s right-hand — helping run the day-to-day, keeping standards high, and supporting a strong on-farm culture. You’ll lead from the front when needed, guide the team through the daily plan, and help drive consistency in animal care, dairy routines, and safe work. You’ll also play a key role in pasture allocation and feed planning, using the farm’s systems and tech to make good decisions and keep things humming.

Why Awhi / Ātihau-Whanganui?

Awhi is about farming with a long-term lens — protecting and rejuvenating the land in their care, with practical action behind it. You’ll be part of something bigger than “just a job”, backed by an organisation with significant farming and land-based operations across the rohe.

About you

We are looking for someone with 2–3+ years’ Assistant Farm Management experience, including confidence directing a team, plus solid capability across pasture management and core dairy fundamentals. Most importantly, you’ll be a steady operator — clear communicator, good follow-through, and someone who genuinely backs the people around them to do a great job.

What’s on offer

A competitive salary package (above typical market rate), plus off-farm accommodation close to site in Ohakune you’ll also be well set up with everything including schooling close by.

📩 Interested?

How to Apply

• Click the 'apply' button now
• Learn more about the farm here: https://www.atihau.com/
• Take a tour of the farm: https://youtu.be/h5ECKvKPumo
• For a confidential discussion, contact Julie on [e-mail]

The No8HR office will be closed from 23rd December to the 5th January for the Christmas/New Year break. Applications will continue to be received during this period, and we’ll review them once we return. We’ll be in touch in the New Year