Farms Assistant

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
Located in Longburn, just a five-minute drive from Palmerston North, Longburn Farms comprises two productive dairy farms alongside two dedicated support blocks.

Thornton Park Farm features a predominantly flat, 200-hectare milking platform and an adjacent 80-hectare support block that borders the scenic Manawatu River.

Next door, Innesmoor Farm offers 130 hectares of largely flat land, milking 350 cows through a modern 32-a-side herringbone shed, complemented by the 50-hectare Braeburn support block.

The close proximity of our dairy farms and support blocks enables efficient movement of livestock between properties, maximizing pasture utilization and optimizing our infrastructure. Our experienced team of seven full-time staff, supported by casual workers, collaborates seamlessly across both farms. By pooling our resources, Longburn Farms provides a diverse range of job opportunities, flexible daily tasks, and a competitive work roster—making us an attractive employer in the region.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
At our Fonterra farms, we share your dedication to agricultural excellence and rural living. Your expertise is the driving force behind achieving exceptional results and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our farming community. We are pleased to offer a permanent position averaging 50 hours per week, with competitive monthly remuneration.

In this role, you will report directly to our Farm Manager. Your primary responsibility will be milking 600 cows using a renovated 50-bale rotary shed, equipped with advanced cup removers, automatic drafting, in-shed feeding and Protrack. From time to time, you will also support milking operations at our Innnesmoor farm, working with 350 cows in an efficient 32-a-side herringbone shed, also featuring automatic drafting and automatic cup removers. Both farms are equipped with Halter technology which we are using to take our farms to the next level

Beyond milking, your duties will include feeding calves, feeding out, setting up and maintaining break fences, performing weed control, general farm maintenance, operating tractors, and assisting with other essential farm tasks. You will be instrumental in upholding the highest standards for maintaining our farms, vehicles, and sheds, ensuring all property improvements are managed efficiently and on schedule.

Additional responsibilities involve contributing to strategic on-farm decisions, supporting management with animal health and welfare requirements, and maintaining accurate records related to stock, animal health treatments, grazing activities, and effluent management. You will also play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety in Employment Act, as well as supporting the Farm Manager in meeting or exceeding environmental compliance standards.

Your commitment and expertise will make a significant impact on the overall success and sustainability of our farming operations. Join us to help shape the future of agriculture and be part of a team that values skill, innovation, and dedication.

The successful applicant will be a drive-in employee with a housing allowance provided.

Mōu | About You
We are seeking a proactive, motivated individual who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Your enthusiasm for learning and personal growth will set you apart. If you possess the confidence to tackle tasks of any size and aren't afraid to ask questions to further your knowledge, we want to hear from you.

To Succeed In This Position, You Will Ideally Bring

• Previous farming experience—preferred but not essential
• A positive, can-do attitude is required
• A full driver's license
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to embrace technology and digital tools

We offer comprehensive training opportunities, both internally and through external development programs, to support you in becoming a successful farmer.

If you're excited about this opportunity but only meet some of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. Our commitment to cultivating talent and fostering a diverse workforce means we value applicants with excellent transferable skills.

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 7th December 2025