Farm Assistant Job in New Zealand

Job Description

Farm Assistant Job in New Zealand is available with 5911 FARMS LIMITED for a full-time worker at a dairy farming operation. The position is based in the Waitakaruru area, with the job description also identifying the farm location as Manawaru/Ngatea. The role offers $25.00–$35.00 per hour based on experience and at least 30 hours per week. Duties include milking cows twice daily, livestock care, fencing, pasture management, feeding, farm maintenance, and dairy shed cleaning. Previous dairy farming experience is preferred but not essential. Applicants need a Class 1 licence or overseas equivalent, must be physically fit, pass a police background check and drug testing, and have a valid New Zealand work visa. Shared accommodation is provided on the farm.

About the Farm Assistant Job

5911 FARMS LIMITED is seeking a reliable and motivated Farm Assistant to join its dairy farming team. The position is full-time and requires at least 30 hours per week.

The work is performed in person and involves regular interaction with dairy cattle, farm equipment, pasture areas, fencing, and the dairy shed. The successful candidate should be willing to work rostered shifts and in different weather conditions.

New Zealand has a large dairy sector. Stats NZ reported 5.7 million dairy cattle at 30 June 2025, showing the scale of dairy farming across the country.

Farm Assistant Salary in New Zealand

The advertised pay for this position is:

• $25.00–$35.00 per hour
• Pay depends on experience
• At least 30 hours per week
• Full-time employment
• Work location: in person

For general employment context, New Zealand’s adult minimum wage is $23.95 per hour from 1 April 2026. The advertised Farm Assistant rate is therefore above the current adult minimum wage. This minimum-wage figure is general information and is not the advertised salary range for every farm job.

Main Farm Duties

The Farm Assistant will support several areas of the dairy operation. Daily duties may include:

• General farm maintenance, including weed control and fence repairs.
• Setting up and maintaining break fencing for grazing.
• Moving livestock between paddocks as directed.
• Keeping the farm environment clean and functional.
• Performing routine milking twice daily.
• Cleaning the dairy plant, milking equipment, yard, and milk vat after milking.
• Following dairy shed hygiene procedures.
• Monitoring animals for illness or injury.
• Identifying and treating animal health issues, including mastitis.
• Assisting during calving and mating seasons.
• Checking livestock regularly to support their wellbeing.
• Providing livestock with feed and water.
• Moving animals to paddocks with fresh pasture.
• Monitoring pasture quality and availability.
• Following farm safety procedures and reporting hazards.
• Participating in drug testing and health and safety inspections.

Requirements and Qualifications

Previous dairy farming experience is preferred but not essential. Candidates should have the ability to work responsibly and follow instructions.

The main requirements include:

• Class 1 driving licence or overseas equivalent
• Physical fitness
• Ability to work in different weather conditions
• Willingness to work rostered shifts
• Successful police background check
• Willingness to undergo regular drug testing
• Self-motivation
• Ability to follow instructions
• Respectful and tidy behaviour in shared accommodation

Skills Needed for the Position

A good Farm Assistant should have strong practical skills and a responsible approach to animal care. Communication, teamwork, time management, attention to detail, and reliability are important.

The worker should also be comfortable performing physical tasks outdoors. Experience with dairy cattle, milking equipment, fencing, pasture management, or farm maintenance can be helpful, although previous dairy experience is not essential for this vacancy.

Benefits and What the Employer Offers

According to the job advertisement, successful candidates can receive:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Career growth opportunities
• Ongoing professional development
• Supportive working environment
• Shared accommodation provided on the farm
• Opportunity to develop experience within an established dairy farming business

Accommodation can be an important part of agricultural employment. New Zealand Employment New Zealand explains that accommodation may sometimes form part of an agricultural employment package, although any deductions or arrangements must meet minimum-wage requirements.

Work Visa and Safety Requirements

Applicants must confirm that they have a valid visa allowing them to work in New Zealand. The application asks candidates to provide the visa type, expiry date, and a clear copy of the visa for verification if they currently hold one.

The position also requires a police background check and regular drug testing. Candidates should be prepared to follow farm health, safety, hygiene, and workplace requirements.

New Zealand employers must generally provide employees with a written employment agreement and pay at least the applicable minimum wage for each hour worked.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter explaining their farming experience and suitability for the role. Applicants should also answer the visa question and provide the requested work-eligibility information.