Farm Assistant or 2IC | Future Management Opportunity

Canterbury

Description

We are seeking a capable and motivated dairy farmer to join our operation as a Farm Assistant or Assistant Manager (2IC) depending on experience. This position has become available as a long-term staff member of nearly a decade moves on to a new career. We are now looking for someone who is ready to step up, take ownership, and grow toward farm management. This role will suit someone who wants to progress toward management rather than remain in a long-term junior position. For the right person, this role offers a clear pathway toward greater responsibility and leadership within the farm business. The Farm Our farm is a 130ha milking platform running 450 Jersey cows in the Canterbury foothills at Mount Somers. Farm infrastructure includes: 36-aside herringbone shed with ARC Twice-daily milking Dryland (non-irrigated) K-line effluent system Small, efficient team structure Our friendly Jersey herd is quiet and great to work with, making day-to-day stock handling straightforward and enjoyable. We run a simple, practical farming system where good pasture management, animal health, and efficient routines are priorities. Because we are a smaller operation, the successful applicant will gain exposure to all aspects of farm management, not just day-to-day milking. The Opportunity This role would suit someone who: Wants to develop leadership and management capability Enjoys taking responsibility and contributing ideas Is motivated to progress to a senior role within the next few years We place strong value on autonomy, and staff are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute ideas that improve how the farm operates. Depending on experience, the successful applicant may take responsibility for areas such as: Day-to-day team coordination Grazing management K-line management Calf rearing systems Machinery operation and maintenance Animal health treatments Roster 11 days on / 3 days off - negotiable This typically provides every second weekend (Friday–Sunday) off. We place value on efficiency and good planning rather than long hours, allowing flexibility when workload allows. What We Offer 4-bedroom house included Competitive salary package ($70,000 – $90,000 depending on experience) (This figure includes the accommodation value.) Supportive working relationship Genuine opportunity to progress toward farm management Potential partner work opportunities Start date: Flexible for the right applicant Lifestyle location in the Canterbury foothills Location – Mount Somers Mount Somers offers a fantastic rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, including: Ashburton Lakes Hiking and hunting Mt Hutt ski field 30 minutes to Ashburton or Methven Requirements Applicants must: Already be living in New Zealand Hold a full, clean driver’s licence Have no criminal convictions Be willing to work in a drug-free workplace Provide two recent farm references

Accommodation

No accommodation details provided.