Herd Manager - Aurora Dairies

Company Description

Candidates without current full New Zealand working rights cannot be considered for this role.

About Aurora Dairies

Aurora Dairies is committed to a long-term investment in the Dairy Industry and operates a portfolio of 56 dairy farms, 7 dairy farms in New Zealand's South Island, as well as 49 dairy farms across south-eastern Australia.

Aurora relies on local expertise to operate and improve the productivity of its dairy farms by employing and developing great people, investing in technology, farm development strategies, and supporting infrastructure. Aurora’s operating culture prioritises the health and safety of its employees - inclusive of a strong work-life balance, animal welfare and seeks to positively contribute to the environment and communities in which Aurora operates.

Job Description

What Aurora Dairies can offer you

Aurora Dairies are currently seeking a new Herd Manager for our Ardlui Dairy Farm. The farm is located 15 minutes from Dunsandal and 45 minutes from Christchurch in Canterbury. The farm is approximately 400ha fully irrigated with pivot and fixed grid irrigation and utilizes Halter collars for the herd.

Ardlui is currently peak milking 1,100 cows through a 54-bale Read rotary shed with Protrack in-shed management along with cup removers and in-shed feed systems. Roster is 6-on-2-off during calving and 5-on-2-off the rest of the season. 

Accommodation will be provided to the successful applicant in a two bedroom house.

As Herd Manager, you will be a team player creating an environment where people can develop to help us achieve our desired outcomes. You will have well developed pasture management and animal husbandry skills and understand the demands of large scale dairy farming. Safety will be at the forefront of everything you do.

This is an excellent career opportunity offering:

• A highly competitive salary and career progression opportunities.
• Work-life balance with a maximum average of 50 work hours per week with a variable roster.
• Being part of a large scale dairy business that values all of its people, animals and the environment.
• Full time or casual employment opportunities may be available for your partner, if required.
• Support to pursue training and education opportunities.
• A remuneration package based on level of relevant skills and experience.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will:

• Ensure safe operations across the property through the implementation of our Safety Management System.
• Exhibit sound and accurate judgement to ensure the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
• Paddock inspection estimating quality and availability of pastures.
• Implement stock rotations and contribute to plans for future feed budgets.
• Feed management to support achievement of budgeted production targets.
• Monitor and maintain water and fencing.
• Maintain accurate stock, treatment, and feeding records.
• Operate and maintain plant and equipment.
• Implement sustainable farming practices.
• Adhere to company policies and safe work procedures.

Qualifications

The desired skills and experience for this opportunity are:

You will be an energetic, and self-motivated individual with strong cattle and pasture management skills, who is keen to get stuck in and get the job done. You can work well on your own but equally works in very well amongst a team.

Ideally, you will have:

• Experienced in a large-scale livestock operation.
• Strong tractor skills are a requirement for this role.
• As this farm uses Halter collars, you will need to be technologically minded and understand computer systems.
• Well developed people management skills.
• Reporting and computer skills.
• Demonstrated experience in the management and handling of livestock.
• Pasture based farming experience.
• Initiative to complete operational tasks that contribute to the team.
• Ability to support and implement safe work procedures.
• Willingness to learn new systems of work.

Additional Information

What makes Aurora Dairies unique?

• A true safety focus across the entire company. Safety first, what’s the rush.
• A strong focus on fatigue management and work hours. We pride ourselves on work-life balance.
• Opportunities to grow your career both on the farm or with broader horizons through professional development and other training opportunities. Learning and development of our people is a strong focus at all levels of the organisation.
• An organisation that has made commitments to sustainability and is putting that into action.
• Being part of an organisation of which integrity, trust and collaboration are their core values.

Our successful applicant will be required to undergo a comprehensive pre-employment process including criminal record checks, financial checks, psychometric assessments, a medical assessment and other relevant assessments to confirm suitability for the role.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected] or you can contact Shane Kelly (Regional Operations Manager) on +64 27 330 2107.

Please note, we may only make contact with you if your profile is suitable to the requirements of this position. Candidates without current full New Zealand working rights cannot be considered for this role.