Herd Manager — Dairy Research Farm Leader

DairyNZ; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

DairyNZ is seeking an experienced Herd Manager to join our team at Lye Farm, a research dairy near Hamilton. This drive-in role combines practical farming with research activities that help improve milk quality, herd health, and farm efficiency.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will manage day-to-day herd operations, maintain high welfare and milk quality standards, record farm data, operate machinery, and support trial protocols alongside scientists and farm staff.

Qualifications

• Two or more years' dairy farming experience with responsibility for key herd management activities.
• Strong animal health and stock management skills.
• Experience operating farm machinery and equipment.
• Confidence using farm technology and recording systems.
• Good planning, organisational, and communication skills.
• A genuine interest in research and innovation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full New Zealand driver licence and the right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Milking, feeding, grazing, mating, calving, and animal health management.
• Maintaining excellent animal welfare and milk quality standards.
• Recording and managing farm and animal data.
• Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment.
• Supporting research activities and following trial protocols.
• Training and supporting junior and casual staff.
• Contributing to a safe, productive, and positive team environment.

Skills

Dairy farming

Animal health

Stock management

Farm machinery operation

Farm technology

Data recording

Planning & organisation

Communication

Teamwork

NZ driver licence

Job description

DairyNZ is seeking an experienced Herd Manager to join our team at Lye Farm, a research dairy near Hamilton. This drive-in role combines practical farming with research activities that help improve milk quality, herd health, and farm efficiency.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will manage day-to-day herd operations, maintain high welfare and milk quality standards, record farm data, operate machinery, and support trial protocols alongside scientists and farm staff.