Dairy Assistant | South Canterbury

Looking for a permanent dairy role where the work is varied, the farming systems are modern and your days off can be spent exploring some of New Zealand's best outdoor scenery?

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Dairy Assistant to join a South Canterbury operation, located around 12 minutes south of Timaru.

With herds of approximately 700 and 800 cows, you'll be part of a well-run operation featuring modern farming systems and technology. Both farms offer a mix of flat to rolling terrain, with pivot, fixed-grid and K-Line irrigation, along with automated systems including in-shed feeding and drafting.

The role involves getting involved in the day-to-day running of the operation. From bringing stock in and assisting in the milking shed to moving break fences and completing general farm duties, no two days will be exactly the same.

And when the workday is done? South Canterbury puts some of New Zealand's most incredible scenery and outdoor activities within easy reach. Whether you're into the mountains, lakes, fishing, hiking or simply getting out and exploring, there is plenty to enjoy on your days off.

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‍Details:‍

• Permanent, full-time position
• Start date: 7 September 2026
• 1 person required
• Location: South Canterbury, approximately 12 minutes south of Timaru
• Herd sizes: Approximately 700 and 800 cows
• Roster: 11 days on / 3 days off
• Wage: Negotiable based on experience
• Accommodation: Lovely modern 2-bedroom home

Farm Systems & Features:‍

• 60-bale rotary shed
• In-shed feeding
• Automated drafting
• Pivot irrigation
• Fixed-grid irrigation
• K-Line irrigation
• Flat to rolling farm terrain
• Modern, well-organised farming systems

What You Will Be Doing:‍

• Assisting with daily milking operations across both farms
• Bringing stock in for milking
• Moving break fences
• General farm duties and day-to-day stock work
• Assisting with feeding and farm operations
• Working across a range of modern farming systems
• Helping maintain tidy, efficient and well-run farms

What We Require:‍

• Previous dairy farming experience
• Good stock sense and confidence working with livestock
• A reliable and practical approach to farm work
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to get involved in all aspects of day-to-day farm work
• Good communication skills
• Full driver's licence preferred
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

What's in it for you?‍

• Permanent role with a varied workload
• Wage negotiated based on your skills and experience
• Lovely modern 2-bedroom home
• Great 11/3 roster for a healthy work-life balance
• Modern farming systems and automated technology
• Opportunity to work in a well-established dairy operation
• Timaru and local amenities just a short drive away
• Mountains, lakes, rivers and outdoor adventures within easy reach
• A genuine opportunity to enjoy the best of rural New Zealand while building your dairy farming career

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

‍Why Choose Max People?Max People is a trusted 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.