Herd Manager

JobSpace; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a Farm Operations role focused on feed production management, pasture stewardship, and effluent maintenance. You will support the Farm Manager in planning, coordinating staff, and ensuring farm efficiency.

Responsibilities span weeds control, fertilizer and irrigation oversight, milking process operations, animal health programs, and safety compliance on site.

Qualifications

• Must be physically fit
• Must pass pre-employment drug test
• CV and verifiable references required
• Right to work in NZ / NZ citizen or resident
• Driver license required

Responsibilities

• Assist Farm Manager with feed production planning and management of pasture and crops
• Oversee weeds & pests management to maintain pasture quality
• Ensure fertilizer application and irrigation is maintained by staff
• Ensure milking process operations and plant hygiene standards
• Operate and maintain the farm effluent system per council requirements
• Implement animal health programs and manage calving and calf-rearing to ensure high-quality replacements
• Assist to manage farm repairs and maintenance schedules for plant and machinery
• Ensure adherence to company policies and health & safety requirements

Skills

Physical fitness

Drug test clearance

Right to work NZ

Driver license

Education

Tertiary education

Pasture-based dairy farming experience

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

• Employee housing is available on-site.Accommodation may be shared orprivate, depending on availability at the time of successful placement. No pets allowed.
• Drive-in applicants must be able to demonstrate they can reliably meet the requirements of the roster; candidates residing outside a reasonable commuting distance who are unwilling to relocate may be considered unsuitable for these operational reasons.

Applicants must have:

• Tertiary education;and/or
• 1 year of pasture based dairy farming experience

Applicants must have the following as per employer’s requirement:

• Must be physically fit
• Must pass pre-employment drug test
• Must provide a CV Must provide verifiable references of previous employment history
• Must have right to work in NZ/be NZ resident/Citizen
• Must have a driver licence

Feed Production Management

• Assist Farm manager to organize and control with any feed planning or the management of as appropriate
• Oversee the management weeds & pests implementation to maintain pasture & crops
• Ensure fertilizer implementation and irrigation requirements are maintained by staff
• Ensure that all staff carries out the effective operation of all aspects of the milking process, including plant hygiene & somatic cell count, to maintain grade free standards

Effluent

• Operate & maintain the effluent system on farm to all regional council compliance requirements & the employer’s standards

Animals

• Implement animal health program to maintain good health
• Organize and control animal calving and, calf rearing program to achieve minimal lose & ensure high quality replacements are available for herd
• Organize sale purchase of stock to achieve stock targets
• Ensure all herd records are maintained & transferred to the appropriate place
• Train and supervise staff

Business

• Work with the Farm Manager to contribute to Farm Business Plan
• Assist to manage repairs & maintenance schedule for all plant, machinery, infrastructure
• Ensure relevant company policies are understood & adhered to

Health & Safety

• Comply with health & safety requirements, adhere to policies & procedures
• Meet the above requirement by wearing all personal protective equipment
• Notify Farm Manager of new hazards identified and of any accident or near miss accident & complete Accident Report
• Assist to work within best practice environmental guidelines
• Help with major projects as required by the Farm Manager

Please provide us with information as to your eligibility to work in New Zealand – if you are on a temporary visa or if you are a New Zealand citizen/resident.