Senior Farm Assistant OR Herd Manager - Manawatu/Whanganui, NZ

No8HR; Waikato; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Modern farming systems with Halter

On-site accommodation

Supportive team environment

Proximity to Palmerston North, Feildy,

Job summary

No8HR is seeking a hands-on dairy farming professional in the Manawatu/Whanganui region. Join a high-performing enterprise on 760 ha effective, milking ~2,500 cows with modern systems and automation.

You will work alongside an experienced team to develop skills, take on responsibilities, and learn the why behind daily farming decisions. This role offers exposure to large-scale operations, modern facility technology (including Halter wearables), and a supportive environment focused on career

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' dairy farming experience.
• Good communication and ability to work in a team.
• Willingness to learn and develop farming skills.
• Pride in doing the basics exceptionally well.

Responsibilities

• Milking and animal health and welfare responsibilities.
• Feeding, pasture management and general farm maintenance.
• Operating modern farm equipment and systems.
• Collaborating with the team to maintain efficient farm operations.
• Supporting ongoing improvement and learning within the dairy operation.
• Contributing to a positive team culture and safety on farm.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to learn

Strong work ethic

Job description

2,500 cows l 2x 80 BR l 760 ha effective

Our client operates a high-performing dairy farming enterprise in the Manawatu/Whanganui region on 760 ha effective, providing an excellent environment for farmers wanting to build their skills and advance their careers. With a strong focus on efficiency, innovation, milking approximately 2,500 this operation runs through 2x modern 80 bale rotary cowsheds with plenty of automation. You'll gain exposure to modern farming practices, large-scale operations, and industry-leading systems while working alongside an experienced and supportive team.

The Role

As part of a motivated and supportive team, you'll be involved in a wide range of day-to-day farming activities, including milking, animal health and welfare, feeding, pasture management, general farm maintenance, and operating modern farm equipment and systems. You'll work closely with experienced team members to ensure the farm continues to operate efficiently while contributing to a positive team culture. Take on greater responsibility as your skills, confidence, and experience grow, and more importantly; you'll have the opportunity to learn the "why" behind key farming decisions, develop your technical capability, and progressively take on additional responsibilities as you work towards your longer-term career goals within the dairy industry.

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A minimum of 2 years' dairy farming experience
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work effectively within a larger team environment
• A willingness to learn and continue developing your farming skills
• Pride in doing the basics exceptionally well
• A genuine interest in building a long-term career within the dairy industry

What's On Offer?

• Opportunity for significant career growth and development
• Modern farming systems and technology including Halter wareables
• Exposure to a large-scale, high-performing dairy operation
• Supportive and experienced team environment
• Modern, tidy on-farm accommodation
• Convenient location approximately 30-40 minutes from Palmerston North, Feilding, and Whanganui
• Long-term career prospects for the right person

If you're looking for a role where you can continue learning, take on greater responsibility, and grow your dairy farming career alongside a progressive farming business, we'd love to hear from you.