Machinery Operator - Moutoa Dairy

Landcorp Farming Limited; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

KiwiSaver matching

Extra leave at Christmas

Parental leave benefits

Job summary

Pāmu Landcorp Farming Limited is seeking a tractor operator for our Moutoa Complex in the Manawatū region. This fixed-term role runs until April 2027, with accommodation provided and a supportive team environment.

You will operate tractors (including JD 140/155), perform routine maintenance, and complete tasks across mulching, mowing, feeding out, and weed control. The role requires practical hands-on skills and the ability to work independently in a hands-on farm setting.

Qualifications

• Confidence using and maintaining machinery.
• Practical, can-do skills for repairs and day-to-day problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and manage shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors across the farm (mulching and mowing).
• Carry out feeding out, race maintenance, cartage and weed control.
• Maintain and service machinery to keep the farm running smoothly.

Skills

Machinery operation

Independent work

Problem-solving

Tools

John Deere JD 140

John Deere JD 155

Job description

Competitive salary

Fixed term until the start of April 2027

Three bed‑room accommodation available

Located 30 minutes to Palmerston North, and 10 minutes to either Foxton or Levin

THE OPPORTUNITY

Step into a varied role as a Pāmu tractor operator/Machinery General and join our close-knit team at our Moutoa Complex. This is a varied, hands‑on role operating tractors across the farm, including mulching and mowing, feeding out, race maintenance, cartage and weed control. You’ll have the freedom to work independently while also being part of a supportive team, taking pride in keeping our machinery and farm in great shape. This is a fixed term until the start of April 2027.

ABOUT YOU

You bring practical skills with machinery and general maintenance to keep things running smoothly. You’ll also bring:

• Confidence using and maintaining machinery, including our JD 140 and JD 155
• Practical, can‑do skills for repairs and day‑to‑day problem‑solving
• The ability to work independently and manage shifting priorities.

ABOUT US

Pāmu Landcorp Farming Limited is a State‑Owned Enterprise with over 110 farms across New Zealand. Our purpose is to lead the delivery of innovative and sustainable agriculture solutions for future generations.

THE FARM

Moutoa Complex is a 1452ha Organic Dairy Platform, 7 Dairy Units with a high‑performing team culture, so you can expect plenty of variety and no two days to look the same, creating a dynamic and rewarding place to work while providing key contribution to operational performance.

BENEFITS

• At Pāmu we offer a competitive salary package with additional benefits, including up to 4% KiwiSaver matching, an extra day of leave over Christmas, and enhanced parental leave benefits, as well as ongoing training and development.
• There is a recently renovated three‑bedroom accommodation available.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Applications close Sunday 11 September 2026, we’ll be interviewing as we go, so get in early.

CONTACT

For a chat about the role, please contact Joel Peterson (business Manager) on [e-mail].

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this role, you must be available for an in‑person interview and have unrestricted legal rights to work in New Zealand. We are unable to accept applicants on temporary work visas for permanent opportunities.

REQUIRED TESTS

Pāmu provides a safe workplace and the successful applicant will be required to pass a drug and alcohol test and undergo a criminal background check prior to being appointed.

VALUES

Our values are core to who we are at Pāmu and the way that we all work together. We are Grounded, Genuine, Bold, and Shoulder‑to‑Shoulder.

EMPLOYER

Pāmu is the brand name for Landcorp Farming Limited, and successful applicants will be employed by Landcorp Farming Limited. Farming is what we do, we’ve spent over 130 years getting to know New Zealand farms. We’re the largest, oldest, and most diversified farming company in the country. This is the place to grow, be challenged and innovative while delivering farming excellence.