Farm Assistant, Mt Prospect, Te Anau

Fortuna Group; Te Anau; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Safe work environment

Progressive farming systems

Job summary

Fortuna Group at Mount Prospect Station, near Te Anau, invites applications for a motivated Farm Assistant to support day-to-day farming operations on a high-performing livestock enterprise.

You will engage in livestock care, pasture management, wintering tasks, and machinery operation while emphasising safety and sustainable farming practices in harmony with QEII protections.

Qualifications

• Hands-on farming experience preferred but not essential.
• Willingness to learn and a strong work ethic.
• Commitment to health, safety and the environment.

Responsibilities

• Livestock management tasks including feeding and monitoring health.
• Wintering operations and feed allocation.
• Pasture management including re-seeding, weed control and fertiliser application.
• Maintain fences, tracks, water systems and other infrastructure.
• Operate tractors, trailers and other farm machinery safely.
• Keep accurate records of livestock movements and feed usage.
• Support environmental programs and biodiversity initiatives, especially near QEII areas.
• Follow safe working practices and report hazards or incidents.
• Provide relief cover for team roles when required.

Job description

Mount Prospect Station, together with The Danby, is a high-performing farming operation just 20 km from Te Anau – the gateway to Fiordland National Park. We’re looking for a motivated Farm Assistant to join our team and support our day-to-day farm operations.

About Mt Prospect Station: Mt Prospect Station, together with The Danby, is a high-performing farming operation just 20 kilometres from Te Anau – the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Developed with Environment Southland and the Waiau Trust/QEII, the property balances highly productive farmland with strong biodiversity values, including regenerating and protected QEII areas. Nestled in its own natural basin along the western and southern slopes of Mt Prospect, the property enjoys a favourable micro-climate that supports strong pasture and winter feed production. Primarily set up for winter grazing and dairy support, Mt Prospect can winter approximately 5,500 MA cows annually.

About the Role

As a Farm Assistant, you will work across a variety of farm tasks, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the success of the property. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about livestock, pasture management, and sustainable farming practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Livestock Management: Assist with feeding, monitoring animal health, calving/lambing, and handling livestock safely.
• Wintering Operations: Support feed allocation, animal welfare during winter, and maintain wintering infrastructure.
• Pasture Management: Help with re-seeding, topping, weed control, fertiliser application, and pasture monitoring.
• Maintenance: Assist with fences, tracks, water systems, yards, gates, and other farm infrastructure.
• Machinery: Safely operate and maintain tractors, trailers, feeders, and other farm machinery.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of livestock movements, pasture management, feed usage, and other farm activities, ensuring compliance with farm protocols and regulations.
• Environmental Programs: Support environmental and biodiversity initiatives, particularly in regenerating and protected QEII areas.
• Health & Safety: Follow safe working practices, maintain a tidy work environment, and report hazards or incidents.
• Teamwork: Support fellow farm workers and provide relief cover for roles when required

Who We're Looking For

• A hands-on, reliable, and motivated team player
• Practical experience in farming is preferred but not essential
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic
• Safe work practices and a commitment to health, safety, and the environment

We We Offer

• Career development: Fortuna Futures pathways from Farm Assistant to regional leadership.
• Supportive work environment: Values-driven culture prioritising safety, wellbeing, and professional growth.
• Progressive farming systems: Innovative technology and sustainable, high-performance operations.