Dairy Farm Assistant
Job Description
About the role
We’re looking for a motivated and reliable Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team in Dunsandel, just outside Christchurch. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, values teamwork, and wants to build a long-term career in the dairy industry.
You’ll be working on a well-run dairy operation milking approximately 850 cows, supported by an experienced Operations Manager and the wider Synlait farming team.
What you’ll be doing
As a Dairy Farm Assistant, you’ll play an important part in the day-to-day running of the farm. This is a varied role where you’ll gain exposure to all aspects of dairy farming while working in a supportive environment focused on animal welfare, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Working on a roster of 6 days on, 2 days off.
Assisting the Farm Manager to achieve production and profitability targets
Supporting efficient and hygienic milking routines to produce high-quality milk
Monitoring animal health and welfare and reporting any issues promptly
Assisting with feeding stock and caring for young stock
Supporting changing feed requirements throughout the lactation season
Contributing to a safe, positive, and productive team environment
About you
We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for dairy farming. You’ll enjoy working outdoors, be reliable and hardworking, and take pride in contributing to a successful farming operation.
To be successful, you will ideally have:
1–2 years’ full-time work experience within dairy or agricultural preferred
Strong communication skills and a team-focused approach
Self-motivation, initiative, and a strong work ethic
The ability to work independently when required
Commitment to safe and environmentally responsible farming practices
A full, clean driver licence
What we offer:
We value our people and provide a supportive environment where you can grow your skills and build your career.
Health & wellbeing – fully covered health insurance plus access to exclusive partner discounts
Quality Accommodation - accommodation on a well-maintained farm with excellent facilities
Family-friendly support – industry-leading parental leave through our Matua policy
Sustainable values – we’re proud to be B Corp™ certified
Community & connection – join our active Social Club
Career growth – ongoing development and progression opportunities
About us – The Synlait Spirit
Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit.
Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day.
We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us.
We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark . That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world.
At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success.
