Dairy Assistant | Ashburton, Mid Canterbury

Looking for a dairy role where you can be part of a small, supportive team and take pride in doing a great job?

‍This progressive Ashburton farm offers the chance to work in a well-run operation with modern infrastructure, strong animal care and plenty of variety.

Located in the Ashburton area, conveniently positioned between Ashburton, Geraldine and Mayfield, the farm milks approximately 480 cows through a modern 36-bail internal rotary shed with ECRs and automatic teat spraying.

You'll work alongside three full-time staff and the farm owner in a team where communication, attention to detail and animal welfare matter. It's a hands-on role with a good mix of milking, stock work, irrigation, machinery and general farm duties — so there should be plenty to keep you busy without staring at the same job all day!

‍

‍Details:‍

• Permanent, full-time position
• Start date: July 2026
• Herd size: Approximately 480 cows
• 36-bail internal rotary shed
• ECRs and automatic teat spraying
• Roster: 7 days on / 2 days off, 7 on / 2 off, 7 on / 3 off
• Accommodation provided
• Centrally located between Ashburton, Geraldine and Mayfield

What You Will Be Doing:‍

• Milking approximately 480 cows
• Bringing stock in and general stock work
• Moving break fences
• Feeding out
• Fencing and general farm maintenance
• Operating irrigation systems
• Centre pivot, rotating irrigator, sprinklers and effluent irrigation
• Tractor and machinery work, including baleage and hay as required
• Supporting animal health and day-to-day herd management
• Keeping work areas clean, tidy and safe
• Working closely with the wider team to keep the farm running smoothly

What We Require:‍

• Minimum 2 years' dairy milking experience
• Good stockmanship and animal handling skills
• Irrigation experience advantageous
• Tractor and machinery experience advantageous
• Good English and communication skills
• Reliable, practical and happy to get stuck in
• Ability to work well as part of a small team
• Genuine care for animals and pride in your work
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

What's in it for you?‍

• Permanent position with a well-established dairy operation
• Supportive small-team environment
• Modern 36-bail rotary shed with ECRs and automatic teat spraying
• Good variety across milking, stock work, irrigation and machinery
• Accommodation provided
• Roster offering regular time off
• Great central Canterbury location with Ashburton, Geraldine and Mayfield all within easy reach
• Plenty of opportunity to enjoy the best of rural Canterbury on your days off — wide-open spaces, mountains, rivers and that fresh country air you just can't bottle!

‍

‍Apply online TODAY and drive your Dairy career with The Max Team!‍

‍Why Choose Max People?
Max People is a trusted New Zealand recruitment partner with 15+ years’ experience connecting great people with great workplaces. What started in construction has grown into one of the country’s leading labour-hire and recruitment providers across construction, civil, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics.‍

‍When you join Max People, you’re backed by a team that lives its values: Passion, Empathy, Optimism, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Empowerment. We’re here to support your journey, champion your growth, and help you build a future you’re excited about.