Farms Assistant - Longburn. Fixed Term
Our Co-operative
Whāia tō ara whakamua i konei | Where to next? Imagine tomorrow—here at Fonterra
Here at Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. If you’re applying for the next step in your career journey here at Fonterra, then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, broaden your horizons, or take on a new challenge, we’re here to support your progress. We’ll help you bring your best and be at your best—because your growth is our growth.
He kupu mō mātou | About us
Located in Longburn, just a five-minute drive from Palmerston North, Longburn Farms comprises two productive dairy farms alongside two dedicated support blocks.
Thornton Park Farm features a predominantly flat, 200-hectare milking platform and an adjacent 80-hectare support block that borders the scenic Manawatu River. Next door, Innesmoor Farm offers 130 hectares of largely flat land, milking 350 cows through a modern 32-a-side herringbone shed, complemented by the 50-hectare Braeburn support block.
The close proximity of our dairy farms and support blocks enables efficient movement of livestock between properties, maximizing pasture utilization and optimizing our infrastructure. Our experienced team of seven full-time staff, supported by casual workers, collaborates seamlessly across both farms. By pooling our resources, Longburn Farms provides a diverse range of job opportunities, flexible daily tasks, and a competitive work roster—making us an attractive employer in the region.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
At our Fonterra farms, we share your dedication to agricultural excellence and rural living. Your expertise is the driving force behind achieving exceptional results and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our farming community. We are pleased to offer a permanent position averaging 50 hours per week, with competitive monthly remuneration.
This is a fixed term opportunity until December 2026.
Reporting directly to our Farm Manager, your core responsibility will be milking 600 cows using a renovated 50-bale rotary shed, equipped with advanced cup removers, automatic drafting, in-shed feeding and Protrack. From time to time, you will also support milking operations at our Innnesmoor farm, working with 350 cows in an efficient 32-a-side herringbone shed, also featuring automatic drafting and automatic cup removers. Both farms are equipped with Halter technology which we are using to take our farms to the next level!
Beyond milking, your duties will include feeding calves, feeding out, setting up and maintaining break fences, performing weed control, general farm maintenance, operating tractors, and assisting with other essential farm tasks. You will be instrumental in upholding the highest standards for maintaining our farms, vehicles, and sheds, ensuring all property improvements are managed efficiently and on schedule.
Additional responsibilities involve contributing to strategic on-farm decisions, supporting management with animal health and welfare requirements, and maintaining accurate records related to stock, animal health treatments, grazing activities, and effluent management. You will also play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety in Employment Act, as well as supporting the Farm Manager in meeting or exceeding environmental compliance standards.
Your commitment and expertise will make a significant impact on the overall success and sustainability of our farming operations. Join us to help shape the future of agriculture and be part of a team that values skill, innovation, and dedication.
Mōu | About You
We are seeking a proactive, motivated individual who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Your enthusiasm for learning and personal growth will set you apart. If you possess the confidence to tackle tasks of any size and aren’t afraid to ask questions to further your knowledge, we want to hear from you.
To succeed in this position, you will ideally bring:
• Previous farming experience—preferred but not essential
• A positive, can-do attitude is required
• A full driver’s license
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to embrace technology and digital tools
We offer comprehensive training opportunities, both internally and through external development programs, to support you in becoming a successful farmer.
If you’re excited about this opportunity but only meet some of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. Our commitment to cultivating talent and fostering a diverse workforce means we value applicants with excellent transferable skills.
** Please apply online in the link below **
https://careers.fonterra.com/careers/JobDetail/Farms-Assistant-Longburn-Farms-Fixed-Term/15019
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 12th April 2026
Ngā Uara | Our Values
We live our values every day—Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts. They are for everyone and guide how we show up for each other, our farmers, and our communities.
Take our Values Quiz to reflect on how your values align with ours. Click here.
Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You
We’re committed to helping you grow, empowering you to be your best self, and encouraging you to contribute and learn. You’ll find support through:
Career development and mentoring
Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
Recognition and internal mobility pathways
A safe, inclusive environment where you can thrive
Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.
Tātou Tātou | Continue your journey with us
You’re already part of our whānau—now imagine what’s next. Take the next step in your Te Mātāpuna Fonterra journey and apply today.
He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).
Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.
If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.
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