Dairy Farm Assistant

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.

What's next? Apply now!

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.