Farm Assistant

Job Title: Dairy Farm Assistant

Location: Canterbury

Farm Size: 1050 cows, 450hectares, 54-bail rotary shed and 50 bail rotary shed

Roster: 6 on, 2 off

Hours: 40–45 hours per week, varying with the season

About the Farm

We are contract milkers on a farm located 15 minutes from Rakaia. We run a farm with a strong focus on high-quality pasture management, animal welfare, and maintaining a positive, supportive team culture.

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking, and reliable Farm Assistant to join our team. Reporting to the Contract milker, you will be involved in the day-to-day running of the farm. This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in shed standards, and has a genuine interest in building a career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Milking & Shed Hygiene: Assisting with efficient morning and afternoon milkings, maintaining high standards of shed hygiene, plant cleaning, and yard wash-down.
• Animal Health & Welfare: Safely fetching cows, monitoring cow health (including teat condition and mastitis identification), assisting with calving, and calf rearing during the spring peak.
• Pasture & Feed Management: Setting up and shifting break fences to accurately allocate pasture, and assisting with feeding out supplements and silage.
• Farm Maintenance: General weed control (spot spraying), basic fencing repairs, effluent system monitoring, and keeping the farm and equipment tidy.
• Machinery Operation: Safe operation of farm motorbikes/side-by-sides, and basic tractor work (if experienced).
• Health & Safety: Strictly adhering to farm health and safety policies and reporting any hazards or incidents.

Skills & Experience

• No prior experience required—we will train someone with a great attitude and willingness to learn.
• A genuine passion for animals and their welfare.
• Reliable, punctual, and fully capable of handling early morning starts.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• A current, valid, Full Driver’s Licence.
• Must be an NZ Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid work visa.

What We Offer

• Remuneration: Competitive rate based on experience
• Accommodation: A warm  home on the farm is available.
• Training: Support for ongoing industry training (e.g., Primary ITO courses) and clear pathways for career progression.
• Gear: Wet weather gear and gumboots provided.