Job description
Join our forward-thinking livestock operation in Otago as a Farm Manager responsible for day-to-day livestock care, pasture planning, and farm optimization. We value practical expertise, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices. You will lead a small team, coordinate with veterinarians, and implement efficient feeding, breeding, and record-keeping programs.
What we offer: competitive salary, relocation assistance for eligible candidates, professional development opportunities, modern farm infrastructure, and a collaborative team culture focused on high welfare and high productivity.
Responsibility
- Oversee daily livestock care across cattle and sheep operations, including feeding, watering, health monitoring, and welfare compliance.
- Plan and manage pasture rotation, grazing plans, fencing maintenance, and water systems to optimize productivity and sustainability.
- Lead a small farm team, assign tasks, schedule rotations, and ensure safety and compliance with all regulations.
- Coordinate with veterinarians, AI technicians, and extension services for breeding, vaccination, and preventive health programs.
- Maintain accurate records (weight gain, milk yield, fertility, medication, and intake records) and generate performance reports for management.
- Oversee biosecurity protocols, quarantine measures, and equipment sanitation to protect herd health.
- Monitor budget, input usage, and maintenance costs; implement cost-saving strategies without compromising welfare or productivity.
- Engage with agronomic partners and suppliers to source high-quality feed, minerals, and farm inputs.
Qualification
- 2+ years of hands-on livestock farming experience with cattle and/or sheep; dairy farm experience is a plus.
- Proven ability to manage pasture systems, water infrastructure, and basic farm machinery.
- Strong knowledge of animal welfare, biosecurity, vaccination programs, and record-keeping.
- Leadership experience or exposure to supervising a small team; capable of training and mentoring staff.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organization skills; fluent in English; basic computer skills for farm software.
- Physically capable to perform demanding fieldwork in variable weather; valid driver's license and safe operating record.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and adapt to seasonal farm demands.