Machinery Operator and Dry Stock (Dairy Support)

ABOUT SMITHILL

Smithill Limited is a family-owned and operated Southland farming business running four dairy farms and an expanding dairy support operation.

Following the purchase of a dry stock block in Clifden, we are looking for a practical and capable  Machinery Operator and Dry Stock (Dairy Support) Assistant to join our team. This is an opportunity to become part of a growing operation and help establish and develop a new support property.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Based primarily on our dry stock blocks, you will work closely with the Farm Manager and wider Smithill team. This is a varied, hands-on role combining machinery operation, cattle work, cropping, feeding, maintenance and farm development.

Your responsibilities will include

• Operating tractors and farm machinery for cultivation, sowing, mowing, fertiliser application and feeding out
• Operating silage wagons, feeding equipment and other implements
• Digger operation where trained and competent
• Completing machinery checks and basic maintenance
• Supporting crop establishment, pasture renewal and supplement harvesting
• Assisting with winter feeding and feed management
• Shifting, drafting, weighing and handling cattle safely
• Monitoring stock health, welfare and water supplies
• Permanent and temporary fencing
• Maintaining troughs, pipelines, gates, yards, lanes and tracks
• Completing general repairs and property maintenance
• Contributing to our dry stock blocks ongoing development and establishment
• Working on other Smithill dairy support properties when reasonably required

ABOUT YOU

• Proven tractor-driving and machinery experience is essential, as the successful applicant will need to operate equipment safely and confidently from the outset.
• Ideally, you will have at least two years of practical farming experience and:
• Experience operating tractors and a range of farm implements
• An understanding of cultivation, sowing, fertiliser application, mowing and feeding work
• Practical cattle-handling skills and a strong commitment to animal welfare
• Fencing, water-system, repair and maintenance skills
• Good machinery awareness and respect for farm equipment
• The ability to identify faults and report problems before they become bigger issues
• A positive, practical and solution-focused attitude
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team
• A full New Zealand driver licence
• The physical fitness required for outdoor work in variable conditions
• The legal right to work in New Zealand
• Digger experience and additional machinery licences or endorsements would be an advantage but are not essential.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A permanent, full-time position within a growing family farming business
• A competitive salary based on experience and capability
• A varied role with a mixture of machinery, stock and practical farm work
• The opportunity to help establish and develop a newly acquired support property
• A safe, positive and supportive working environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Appropriate uniform and PPE
• Accommodation options that can be discussed with the right candidate

OUR VALUES

DRIVE – We take ownership, work efficiently and keep improving.

PEOPLE FIRST – We communicate openly, support one another and contribute positively to the team.

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

TO APPLY

Please apply through Farm Source Jobs with your CV and two current references.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.