Farm Assistant in Western Southland

Smithill Limited is looking for a reliable and motivated Farm Assistant to join the team at Moanui, one of our dairy farms in Western Southland.

This is a hands on role covering all aspects of day to day dairy farming. It would suit someone who enjoys working with animals, takes pride in doing a job properly and wants to keep building their practical farming skills.

THE ROLE

• Working alongside the Farm Manager and wider Smithill Team, your responsibilities will include:
• Milking cows efficiently and safely
• Maintaining excellent dairy shed and plant hygiene
• Monitoring animal health and reporting concerns early
• Assisting with animal treatments, calving, calf rearing and mating
• Moving and handling stock calmly and safely
• Setting up break fences and assisting with pasture and feed allocation
• Feeding out and completing general tractor and machinery work
• Operating and monitoring the farm’s effluent and water systems
• Fencing, basic repairs and general farm maintenance
• Keeping accurate records where required
• Following the farm’s health, safety and environmental procedures

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who

• Is reliable, punctual and ready to contribute to the team
• Has a positive attitude and communicates openly
• Treats animals with care and respect
• Works safely and takes responsibility for their work
• Notices problems and reports them early
• Is willing to learn and develop their farming skills
• Can work independently once trained and trusted
• Is confident using farm vehicles, machinery and basic technology
• Holds a current driver licence
• Has previous dairy farming experience preferred, although applicants with the right attitude and practical ability will also be considered

ABOUT SMITHILL

Smithill Limited is a family-owned Southland farming business operating several dairy farms and support blocks. Our values are:

DRIVE – We take initiative, work hard and keep improving.

PEOPLE FIRST – We communicate well, support one another and work as a team.

CARE – We care for our people, animals, farms and wider environment.

We offer a supportive team environment, clear expectations and opportunities to build your skills and progress within a larger farming business.

POSITION DETAILS

• Permanent, full-time position
• Roster: 8 days on/2 days off, followed by 8 days on/3 days off
• Location: Moanui, Western Southland
• Start date: 5th October 2026
• Remuneration: [insert salary or “negotiable depending on experience”]
• Accommodation: a few options dependant on circumstances, all healthy home compliant.

TO APPLY

Please apply through Farm Source Jobs with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your farming experience, current location, availability and why you would be a good fit for the Moanui team.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and will be required to provide suitable references.