Dairy Herd Manager - Hawea
Devon Dairy Farms | Hawea, Otago
Lead from the front in one of New Zealand's most spectacular farming locations.
Devon Dairy Farms is seeking an experienced and motivated Herd Manager to join our team in Hawea. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled dairy farming professional looking to take the next step in their career within a progressive and high-performing farming business.
Working alongside the Farm Manager and wider farm team, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day management of the herd, animal health programmes, milk quality, pasture management, and farm performance. The role is based in a herringbone milking shed, so previous experience in herringbone systems is desirable.
About the Role
As Herd Manager, you will be responsible for:
Milking and managing cows through a herringbone shed
Monitoring and maintaining high milk quality standards
Animal health monitoring, treatment and record keeping
Assisting with mating, calving and young stock management
Pasture allocation and feed management
Identifying and recording animal health and production data
Effluent management and environmental compliance
Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment
Supporting and mentoring junior team members
Contributing to a positive farm culture focused on safety, animal welfare and continuous improvement
About You
To be successful, you will have:
Previous experience in a Herd Manager, Senior Dairy Assistant or similar role
Strong animal husbandry and stock handling skills
Sound knowledge of pasture management and feed allocation
Experience with mating, calving and herd health programmes
Good understanding of milk quality requirements and dairy hygiene
Excellent work ethic, reliability and attention to detail
A positive attitude and willingness to lead by example
Current driver's licence
Eligibility to work in New Zealand
What We Offer
Competitive remuneration package based on experience
Quality accommodation
Opportunities for training and career progression
Supportive and experienced management team
Modern farming systems and equipment
A fantastic lifestyle in the Hawea and Upper Clutha region
Why Join Devon Dairy Farms?
At Devon Dairy Farms, we are passionate about producing excellent farming outcomes while supporting our people to grow and succeed. You'll join a professional team that values animal welfare, environmental stewardship, health and safety, and continuous improvement.
If you're ready to build your dairy farming career with a progressive business in one of New Zealand's premier rural locations, we'd love to hear from you.