Herd Manager: Lead Dairy Herd, Milk Quality & Pasture

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 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.