Senior Machinery Operator

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

Dairyfert is a Fonterra business that provides support services to our Waikato Manufacturing sites.  This service includes the management of dairy factory by-products either transported to farm blocks to be used as fertiliser to grow grass, lucerne or maize crops, or to waste water treatment plants for further processing.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity

Dairyfert is seeking an experienced machine operator/tractor driver to join our well established land spreading team in the Waikato.  You will be operating tractors on our Fonterra owned farms applying liquid fertiliser.  You will perform maintenance on our machinery and at times may help out with farm maintenance.

This role provides great work life balance as it is a rostered shift pattern typically working a 5 on 3 off day shift roster starting at 6.30am and finishing at around 3.30pm.  During our peak season(September to November) this can change to a 6 on 2 off roster.

This is a 6 month fixed term opportunity.

Mōu | About You

We are seeking someone who is mechanically minded with great computer literacy, as you will be working with tablets and GPS screens.  You will have an eye for detail and the ability to keep accurate records of the work you complete.  Previous experience operating an umbilical system, planting crops or bulk fertiliser spreading will be an advantage.

You must enjoy being part of a team, but be equally happy and confident to work independently.  We work outdoors in all weather conditions - so you need to be comfortable with that

At Dairyfert your health and safety is our priority and we have an equal expectation for you to hold a strong focus on health and safety in the workplace.

A full NZ Class 2 drivers licence is essential as is experience in driving tractors.

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 30 October 2025