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Assistant Farms Manager - Darfield

Job Name
Assistant Farms Manager - Darfield

General Information

Date Published
09-Jul-2026
Advertising Ends
19-Jul-2026
ID#
16218
Role Type
Farming
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Canterbury

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

About us | He kupu mō mātou
At Fonterra, our strength lies in our commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. The Nutrient Management team within Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory is dedicated to the sustainable management of nutrients from Fonterra’s manufacturing sites across New Zealand. We manage 29 Fonterra-owned farms, focusing on the management, sale, transportation, and spreading of nutrient-dense streams. Our vision is to achieve sustainable nutrient management on farms, adhering to Fonterra’s Global Sustainability standards and guidelines, while maximizing the value of nutrients and secondary products.

Darfield Farm, located just five minutes northwest of the Darfield township in the thriving Selwyn District, is seeking a passionate Assistant Farm Manager to join the Fonterra South Island Farm Team. Darfield Farm spans 950 hectares over two blocks, with 675 hectares irrigated by ten Valley pivots.

Darfield Farm is renowned for exporting high-quality pasture to supply Fonterra Shareholders via a cut carry system undertaken by local contractors.  Lamb grazing complements the system over periods when pasture harvest is not feasible, along with a small amount of school calves. The Darfield Farm employs three full-time staff that are responsible for the day to day running of the farm and ensuring the health and safety processes are at the highest of standards.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
As the Assistant Farm Manager you will play a key role in supporting the Farm Manager in achieving a successful and sustainable farming operation whilst supporting our local manufacturing site by managing wastewater and high-strength nutrients on the farm. Your contribution will help ensure future fit farming operations that deliver real results. This is an opportunity to grow your career and develop your skills in one of Fonterra's largest farming portfolios. When the Farm Manager is off farm, you will take charge, managing daily operations and contractor and stakeholder relations.

Your responsibilities include supporting and motivating your team members, handling general farm maintenance tasks and safely operating a wide range of farm machinery. You will provide input into business planning for capital replacement plans and budgets and help ensure the effective management of significant assets within the farm's portfolio. You will help support the Farm Manager to engage local contractors and rural service professionals for services. Your contribution will be essential in managing the farm’s environmental performance and supporting Fonterra’s Darfield Manufacturing site.

About You | Mōu
To be successful in this role, you will bring at least two years of hands-on farming experience and demonstrate confidence in performing a wide range of agricultural activities safely and efficiently. As a proactive self-starter, you will have strong skills in stock, pasture, and people management.

We are looking for candidates who possess:

  • Excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of pride in their workmanship
  • A genuine passion for farming and a determined drive to achieve success
  • A commitment to maintaining the presentation of our farms
  • A strong commitment to health and safety.
  • Relevant education or training in agriculture will be highly regarded

This is a permanent role where you will be working an average of 50 hours per week. The successful applicant will be provided the option of accommodation on farm in a three-bedroom house.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape one of Fonterra’s largest farming portfolios, driving sustainable practices and innovation. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of nutrient management and contribute to Fonterra’s global sustainability goals.

Our Values | Ngā Aura 
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati 
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • Fair and equitable pay
  • Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career growth support
  • Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
  • Employee recognition
  • Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi
At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 19th July