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Assistant Farms Manager (Fixed Term)

Job Name
Assistant Farm Manager - Fixed Term

General Information

Date Published
27-Jan-2026
Advertising Ends
08-Feb-2026
ID#
14470
Role Type
Farming
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, 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.

He kupu mō mātou | About us

Based in Longburn, only 5 minutes’ drive to Palmerston North, Longburn Farms is made up of two dairy farms and two support blocks. 

Thornton Park Farm is a predominantly flat farm of 200ha milking platform and an 80ha support block which boundaries onto the Manawatu river. 

Neighbouring Thornton Park Farm is our Innesmoor Farm, which is a largely flat farm of 130ha which milking 350 cows though a 32 a side herringbone shed and is supported by our Braeburn 50ha support block.


With the two dairy farms and support blocks neighbouring each other, we transfer cows between the farms to best utilise our pasture, infrastructure and a team of 8 full timers and casuals. By combining resources of the farms we can offer a variety of jobs types during the day where no two days are the same whilst still providing a competitive work roster.


Both farms are equipped with Halter technology and benefit from the flexibility of virtual break fences, pasture management software as well as time savings not having to get cows in! 

The farm team takes great pride in running farm tours for our Fonterra customers and boasts claiming title of New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards – Manawatu Trainee of the Year winner for the last 3 consecutive years! 


Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
 
Our Assistant Manager is currently on secondment to our local Farm Source store, creating a unique opportunity for an external candidate to join our farming team — the first time in five years. The position is available until December 2026 or may become permanent should our Assistant Manager not return.

This is a fixed-term role averaging 50 hours per week, paid monthly. Reporting to the Farm Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

- Assisting with staff management and coordinating contractors as required
- Milking 600 cows in a 50-bale rotary shed with cup removers, auto drafting, and in-shed feeding at Thornton Park
- Milking 350 cows in a 32-a-side herringbone shed with auto drafting at Innesmoor Farm
- Tractor operation and feeding out
- Virtual break fencing
- Recording and documenting on-farm activities
- General farm maintenance, weed control and other farming tasks as required
- Ensuring that our farms, vehicles, and sheds are maintained to a high standard, and property improvements are completed efficiently.

Key Focus Areas:

- Supporting strategic decisions on the farm
- Assisting with animal health and welfare requirements
- Maintaining accurate records of stock, animal health treatments, grazing rotations, and effluent management
- Complying with the Health & Safety in Employment Act
- Supporting the Farm Manager to consistently meet or exceed environmental compliance standards        
         

Mōu | About You
Bring your rural knowledge and passion for agriculture to our team and make a positive impact on both local farmers and your own career. Like us, you are enthusiastic about rural life and the people who make it thrive. Your expertise will help us achieve great results together.

What You’ll Bring to the Role:

- A good understanding of farming practices in New Zealand
- Physical fitness, with proven machinery operation and livestock handling skills
- A Full New Zealand Driver’s License (required)
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Level 4 Agriculture ITO qualification (or higher) is preferred
- Adaptability and ability to think quickly
- Willingness to adopt new technology and participate in on-farm research and data recording


Ngā Aura | Our Values 
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

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 
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

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna 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.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
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.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
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 8th February 2026

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