Farm Assistant - Longburn Farms

About the Company At Fonterra, we take pride in our cooperative strength and our commitment to the growth and development of our people. We value your career progression and are excited that you are considering taking the next step in your professional journey with us. Our diverse range of roles across the cooperative ensures that we have opportunities suited to various business units and stages of your career. About Us Located in Longburn, just a five-minute drive from Palmerston North, Longburn Farms consists of two dairy farms and two support blocks. Thornton Park Farm features a primarily flat milking platform of 200 hectares along with an 80-hectare support block adjacent to the Manawatu River. Innesmoor Farm, our neighboring property, spans 130 hectares and milks 350 cows through a 32-a-side herringbone shed, supported by a 50-hectare Braeburn support block. The close proximity of our farms allows us to efficiently transfer cows between them to optimize our pasture and infrastructure. Our dedicated team of 10 full-time staff and casual workers collaborates to offer a variety of job types and a competitive work roster. About the Opportunity We are seeking a passionate individual who is eager to apply their rural knowledge and love for agriculture in a role that supports our farmers and fosters your future. This permanent position offers an average of 50 hours of work per week, compensated on a monthly basis. Reporting to our Farm Manager, your key responsibilities will include: - Milking 600 cows in a 50-bale rotary shed equipped with cup removers, auto drafting, and in-shed feeding - Occasionally milking 350 cows at Innesmoor Farm through a 32-a-side herringbone shed with auto drafting - Feeding out - Implementing break fencing - Documenting and recording farm activities - Conducting weed control - Performing farm maintenance - Operating tractors and completing other farm tasks as required You will play a crucial role in maintaining the farms, vehicles, and sheds to high standards while efficiently managing property improvements. Key Focuses of the Role - Support strategic decisions made on the farm - Assist with animal health and welfare requirements - Maintain accurate records of stock, animal health treatments, grazing records, and effluent management - Comply with the Health & Safety in Employment Act - Support the Farm Manager in ensuring environmental compliance is met or exceeded The successful applicant may choose to reside in the provided accommodation (a three-bedroom house) or opt for a drive-in position. For those who choose to drive in, a housing allowance of $300 per week will be provided, as well as eligibility for the company’s short-term incentive scheme (5% of base salary). About You We are looking for a self-starter who can work independently and as part of a team, with a genuine passion for learning and growth. Your confidence in completing tasks, regardless of size, and your willingness to ask questions will set you apart. To be successful in this role, you should possess the following: - Farming experience is beneficial but not essential - A positive, can-do attitude - A full driver’s license - Strong communication and relationship-building skills - A willingness to utilize technology and apps The successful candidate will receive extensive training, both internally and externally, to enhance their skills and support their journey to becoming a successful farmer. Are you excited about this opportunity but feel you may only meet some of the requirements? That's perfectly fine. We are dedicated to nurturing our internal talent and fostering a diverse workplace. We encourage applicants with excellent transferable skills to apply, as you may be the right fit for this role or one of our other opportunities. Applications will close on Monday, June 9, 2025. We look forward to the possibility of working together.