Dairy Herd Manager - Hawea

Trojan Holdings; Otago; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quality accommodation

Competitive remuneration package

Training and career progression

Supportive management team

Modern farming systems

Lifestyle in Hawea and Upper Clutha

Job summary

Devon Dairy Farms in Hawea, Otago is seeking an experienced Herd Manager to lead our dairy team in a busy herringbone milking shed, focusing on animal welfare, milk quality, and pasture management.

You will work with the Farm Manager, monitor herd health, supervise junior staff, manage mating and calving, and drive continuous improvement in safety and efficiency in a picturesque NZ farming location.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Herd Manager or similar role.
• Strong animal husbandry and stock handling skills.
• Knowledge of pasture management and feed allocation.
• Experience with mating, calving and herd health programmes.
• Understanding of milk quality requirements and dairy hygiene.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and leading by example.
• Current driver’s licence and NZ work eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Milking and managing cows in a herringbone shed.
• Monitor and maintain milk quality standards.
• Monitor herd health, treatment records and data.
• Assist with mating, calving and young stock management.
• Manage pasture allocation and feed.
• Record animal health and production data.
• Oversee effluent management and environmental compliance.
• Operate and maintain farm machinery; mentor junior staff.
• Foster a safe, welfare-focused and continuously improving culture.

Skills

Herd management

Animal husbandry

Pasture management

Milk quality monitoring

Team leadership

Calving & mating knowledge

Driver's license

Eligibility to work NZ

Job description

Devon Dairy Farms | Hawea, Otago

Lead from the front in one of New Zealand's most spectacular farming locations.

Devon Dairy Farms is seeking an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to join our team in Hawea. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled dairy farming professional looking to take the next step in their career within a progressive and high-performing farming business.

Working alongside the Farm Manager and wider farm team, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day management of the herd, animal health programmes, milk quality, pasture management, and farm performance. The role is based in aherringbone milking shed, so previous experience in herringbone systems is desirable.

About the Role

As Herd Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Milking and managing cows through a herringbone shed
• Monitoring and maintaining high milk quality standards
• Animal health monitoring, treatment and record keeping
• Assisting with mating, calving and young stock management
• Pasture allocation and feed management
• Identifying and recording animal health and production data
• Effluent management and environmental compliance
• Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipmentSupporting and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to a positive farm culture focused on safety, animal welfare and continuous improvement

About You

To be successful, you will have:

• Previous experience in a Herd Manager, Senior Dairy Assistant or similar role
• Strong animal husbandry and stock handling skills
• Sound knowledge of pasture management and feed allocation
• Experience with mating, calving and herd health programmes
• Good understanding of milk quality requirements and dairy hygiene
• Excellent work ethic, reliability and attention to detail
• A positive attitude and willingness to lead by example
• Current driver's licence
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration package based on experience
• Quality accommodation
• Opportunities for training and career progression
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Modern farming systems and equipment
• A fantastic lifestyle in the Hawea and Upper Clutha region

Why Join Devon Dairy Farms?

At Devon Dairy Farms, we are passionate about producing excellent farming outcomes while supporting our people to grow and succeed. You'll join a professional team that values animal welfare, environmental stewardship, health and safety, and continuous improvement.

If you're ready to build your dairy farming career with a progressive business in one of New Zealand's premier rural locations, we'd love to hear from you.