Herd Manager

Craigmore Sustainables; Te Pirita; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modern 2 Bedroom Exclusive House

Rent: NZD 350.00 per fortnight

Job summary

Craigmore Sustainables is seeking an experienced Herd Manager for Te Pirita, Canterbury, for the 2026/2027 season. The role supports daily milking operations, animal health, pasture management, and staff supervision within a collaborative farm team.

The ideal candidate has solid dairy farming experience, excellent health and safety standards, reliable work ethic, and holds a current driver’s license. Accommodation is provided and the salary reflects experience.

Qualifications

• Solid dairy farming experience.
• Strong animal health and stock management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for daily tasks.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Pride in maintaining high farm standards.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking.
• Holds a current driver’s licence.
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug test and police check.

Responsibilities

• Assist daily milking operations and maintain high milk quality standards.
• Monitor animal health and administer treatments as required.
• Assist with pasture and feed management.
• Identify and record animals requiring attention.
• Support mating and calving activities.
• Assist with staff training and supervision.
• Operate farm vehicles, machinery, and motorbikes safely.
• Maintain accurate farm records.
• Contribute positively to the team culture and farm performance.

Skills

Dairy farming

Animal health

Self-starter

Teamwork

Health & safety

Driver's license

Job description

Herd Manager

Te Awa Dairy Farm
Te Pirita, Canterbury
2026/2027 Season

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to join our team for this dairy season.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their dairy farming career while working within a supportive and positive team environment.

About the Farm

• 850 cows across 226 hectares of flat land
• 60 Bale Rotary Shed
• Pivot and K Line Irrigation
• Strong focus on profitability, teamwork, and maintaining a positive workplace culture

About the Role

You will work closely with the Farm Manager and be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation of the dairy farm, including:

• Assisting daily milking operations and maintaining high milk quality standards
• Monitoring animal health and administering treatments as required
• Assisting with pasture and feed management
• Identifying and recording animals requiring attention
• Supporting mating and calving activities
• Assisting with staff training and supervision
• Operating farm vehicles, machinery, and motorbikes safely
• Maintaining accurate farm records
• Contributing positively to the team culture and farm performance

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has solid dairy farming experience
• Has strong animal health and stock management skills
• Can work independently and take responsibility for daily tasks
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Takes pride in maintaining high farm standards
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace health and safety
• Is reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking
• Holds a current driver's licence
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and police check

Remuneration & Hours

• Permanent, full-time position
• Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week
• Maximum of 50 hours per week
• Salary package from NZD $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per annum depending on experience

Accommodation

• Modern 2 Bedroom Exclusive House
• Rent: $ 350.00 per fortnight

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain one
• Applicants must currently be in New Zealand and available for interview

We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a supportive farming team and contribute positively to the success of the farm.

This farm is owned and operated by Craigmore Sustainables.

Craigmore Sustainables is a purpose-led business operating farms, orchards and forests across New Zealand. Every day, our people work together to produce premium food and fibre while building sustainable businesses for the long term. We invest in great people, practical innovation and strong partnerships, and take pride in creating value by caring for the land, supporting rural communities and continually improving the way we work. Together, we're helping shape the future of New Zealand's primary industries