Posted by A full-time, permanent Herd Manager position is available with Preet Aulakh Limited in Ngakuru, New Zealand, offering an hourly wage of $35 to $36 and a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week. The role is suited to an experienced dairy or livestock professional who can take responsibility for herd health, breeding, nutrition, milk production, farm operations and the supervision of farm staff.
This is a hands-on management position that combines animal husbandry with the planning and coordination of day-to-day farming activities. The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining herd performance, supporting milk production and ensuring that farm operations meet appropriate industry and regulatory standards.
Herd Manager Job Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Herd Manager |
| Company | Preet Aulakh Limited |
| Location | Ngakuru, New Zealand |
| Employment Type | Full-time, permanent |
| Positions Available | 1 |
| Pay | $35–$36 per hour |
| Minimum Hours | 30 hours per week |
| Work Location | In person |
| Experience/Qualification | Relevant qualification or 2 years of relevant experience |
About the Herd Manager Role
The Herd Manager will be responsible for overseeing livestock and dairy production activities while maintaining high standards of animal health, welfare and farm productivity.
The position requires someone capable of working across both practical farm operations and management responsibilities. This includes monitoring the condition of livestock, managing feeding and pasture resources, coordinating veterinary care and supervising employees and contractors.
The role also involves maintaining accurate records and using production information to support decisions about herd performance and overall farm operations.
Key Responsibilities
Herd Health and Animal Husbandry
The Herd Manager will be responsible for:
- Breeding and raising livestock for milk production
- Monitoring herd health and physical condition
- Identifying health problems at an early stage
- Coordinating veterinary care
- Implementing disease prevention measures
- Maintaining high standards of animal welfare
- Developing herd management plans
Feeding and Pasture Management
The role includes managing the resources required to maintain healthy and productive livestock.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing and managing pasture and fodder
- Maintaining optimal nutritional levels
- Planning livestock movements
- Optimising grazing opportunities
- Supporting pasture regeneration
- Growing fodder crops
- Fertilising pastures
- Controlling weeds and pests
Effective pasture management will be important to maintaining herd health and supporting milk production.
Dairy and Farm Operations
The successful candidate will also oversee a range of daily farming activities, including:
- Catching livestock
- Drenching
- Milking
- Sterilising milking equipment
- Managing milk collection activities
- Grading and packaging dairy produce
- Maintaining pens and sheds
- Maintaining milking facilities
- Maintaining fences and farm equipment
- Managing water supply systems
The position therefore requires someone comfortable with both livestock management and practical farm work.
Livestock and Business Management
The Herd Manager will have responsibilities extending beyond the daily care of the herd.
These include:
- Managing the purchase and sale of livestock
- Coordinating livestock transportation
- Managing dairy produce sales
- Negotiating with buyers and suppliers
- Monitoring market trends
- Planning production according to business requirements
- Maintaining production schedules
- Aligning farm operations with industry best practices
The role requires commercial awareness alongside practical farming knowledge.
Record Keeping and Performance Monitoring
Accurate records are an important part of the position.
The Herd Manager will maintain information relating to:
- Herd performance
- Milk production
- Animal health
- Veterinary treatments
- Farm activities
- Production outputs
- Operational performance
The information collected will be used to analyse performance and support informed farm-management decisions.
Staff Supervision and Leadership
The position also includes responsibility for people management.
The Herd Manager will be expected to:
- Recruit farm staff and contractors
- Train employees
- Supervise farm workers
- Coordinate contractors
- Establish a productive working environment
- Promote workplace safety
- Ensure farm activities remain compliant with relevant requirements
Strong leadership and communication skills will therefore be valuable for the role.
Requirements
Candidates must have either:
- A relevant qualification, or
- At least 2 years of relevant experience
Given the broad responsibilities of the position, experience in dairy farming, livestock management or a similar agricultural environment would be particularly relevant.
Salary and Working Hours
The advertised wage is $35–$36 per hour, with the employer stating that the minimum rate is $35 and the maximum is $36 per hour.
The position is:
- Full-time
- Permanent
- Minimum guaranteed 30 hours per week
- Based in person at the farm
At the minimum guaranteed hours, the advertised rate represents a minimum gross weekly earning of approximately $1,050 before tax at $35 per hour, or $1,080 at $36 per hour, based on 30 hours.
Actual earnings may be higher if additional hours are worked.
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
This Herd Manager opportunity could be suitable for agricultural professionals with experience in:
- Dairy farming
- Livestock management
- Herd health
- Animal husbandry
- Milk production
- Pasture management
- Farm operations
- Agricultural supervision
It may particularly suit someone who wants a permanent management-level position combining hands-on livestock work with responsibility for people, production and farm planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Herd Manager job located?
The position is based in Ngakuru, New Zealand.
How much does the Herd Manager position pay?
The advertised pay is $35–$36 per hour.
Is the position full-time?
Yes. It is advertised as a full-time, permanent position.
How many hours are guaranteed?
The employer guarantees a minimum of 30 hours per week.
What experience is required?
Candidates need a relevant qualification or at least two years of relevant experience.
What type of farming does the role involve?
The position focuses on livestock and dairy production, including herd management, animal health, breeding, feeding, milking and milk production.
Does the role include staff management?
Yes. The Herd Manager will be responsible for recruiting, training, supervising and managing farm staff and contractors.
Is accommodation provided?
The job listing provided does not state that accommodation is provided, so this should not be assumed.
Does the employer provide visa sponsorship?
The supplied job description does not mention visa sponsorship, so candidates should not assume that sponsorship is available.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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