Dairy Farm Assistant

Job Description:

Support daily farm operations, oversee herd and pasture care, and help drive high‑performance, sustainable dairy farming.

Mō te tūka | The role

Join a high-performing, fully irrigated dairy farm operating in the top 10% for profitability. You’ll work closely with the Farm Manager and 2IC to support herd care, pasture management, and seasonal operations. This hands-on role is essential to maintaining LUDF’s reputation for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence.

Some tasks of the role include:

• Feeding and caring for stock, setting break fences
• Assisting with milking, shed hygiene, and milk quality standards
• Supporting calving, mating, and dry stock management
• Operating and maintaining farm vehicles and machinery
• Managing effluent systems and environmental compliance
• Keeping tools and equipment clean, tidy, and in good working order

Mahi & Wāhi / Utu | Work pattern, location & salary

This permanent role is based at our Lincoln-based Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF). You will work an average of 45 hours per week (1.0 FTE) on a 6/2 roster.

Total remuneration package is $77,120 – $84,120 per annum, made up of:

• Salary: $61,000 – $68,000
• Accommodation allowance: $15,600
• Clothing allowance: $520

Note: Accommodation is not provided. This allowance is to support you in securing your own housing.

Kā tino Pūkeka/Whēako | Essential skills/experience for the role

You will bring:

• Experience in dairy farming or practical animal husbandry
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with the FM and 2IC
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare
• Confidence using farm technology and maintaining accurate records
• A proactive attitude and willingness to support seasonal farm tasks
• Good communication skills and a tidy, safety-conscious work ethic
• Alignment with Manaakitaka and Lincoln University values.

• Alignment with Manaakitaka and Lincoln University values.

Kā hua ka riro ki a koe | What's in it for you?

Join a supportive, inclusive community that values diversity, wellbeing, and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Flexible, family‑friendly work and free on‑site parking
• Professional development & mentorship to grow your career
• Generous leave entitlements – six weeks of paid leave per year (based on 1.0 FTE)
• Annual salary reviews to recognise your contribution
• Eye care support – contributions toward eye tests and glasses
• Wellbeing support (free, confidential services via Clearhead)
• Southern Cross employee benefits
• On‑campus gym with discounted membership
• On‑site early childhood centre with staff discounts
• A social culture – friendly people, supportive teams, and plenty of opportunities to connect through events, clubs, and activities
• A vibrant campus: beautiful grounds, cafés, and a collaborative atmosphere

Mō mātou | About us

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University is a specialist institution dedicated to impactful research and higher education that supports land-based industries in New Zealand and globally.

Our campus sits at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, complemented by university-owned farms and research stations that blend education, research, and hands-on learning. At Lincoln, students are at the heart of everything we do—we empower them to grow their potential and contribute to a more sustainably productive world through world-class teaching and research.

As a progressive university with an ambitious vision, we value a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Our staff engage with students, parents, government, iwi, and external stakeholders, upholding Lincoln University’s reputation through their work.

Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments begin with mana whenua. We honour our special relationship with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, embedded in our He Tūtohinga Whakamātau | Charter of Understanding.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Ready to apply? Submit your CV and a cover letter that highlights your fit - tell us why you want this role and what motivates you to join Lincoln University.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are only considering applicants who have current unrestricted legal working rights in New Zealand. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. International applications will be treated as spam.

View the position description at: https://careers.lincoln.ac.nz

Applications will be reviewed as they come in - we may close advertising early if we identify a suitable candidate.