Fixed term - Operations Technician at Innovation Farm

At LIC we are proud of our contribution to the New Zealand dairy sector. Our vision is to improve the prosperity and productivity of New Zealand farmers; and we want great people to join us on our journey.

About the role:

You are part of the Operations & Service Group and report to the Innovation Farm Manager. This team is responsible for delivering on the promise we make to our customers. Operations & Service is made up of LIC’s Artificial Breeding, Diagnostics, Farms Management, FarmWise, Field Assist, Heifer Management and Herd Testing teams.

This position involves providing care and support for all stock as well as assisting with various farm tasks to ensure the smooth operation of our farm. The ideal candidate should have a genuine passion for animal welfare, possess excellent organisational skills, and be comfortable working in a physically demanding environment.

The farm is an Innovation/Learning farm and as such interaction with the contractors and LIC staff will be expected as part of this.

Your Key Focus:

Calving:

• Feeding all calves according to a set schedule.
• Monitoring and reporting calf health & identifying any signs of illness or distress.
• Administering medications, vaccinations and treatments as directed by the farm manager, herd manager or veterinarian.
• Assisting with colostrum management and ensuring proper nutrition for calves.
• Maintaining clean and hygienic calf pens and equipment.  
• Weaning and transitioning calves to solid feed.  
  

Milking:

• Assist in efficient and hygienic milking routine.
• Carry out milk harvesting tasks as directed.
• Understands factors that affect milk quality, be able to identify health issues such as mastitis.
• Assist with cleaning & maintain the milking plant and farm dairy equipment, report any faults to senior staff.

Farm Assistance:

• Assisting with general farm duties such as collecting calves, shifting stock.
• Tractor work.
• Maintain farm equipment and report any issues or repairs needed.
• Assist with research projects on farm when required.

Safety and Animal Welfare:

• Adhere to all safety protocols and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are always upheld.
• Identifying potential hazards and take appropriate action to prevent accidents.

Methane Trial Assistance:

• Tractor work e.g. aerating composting barn, loading and feeding daily feed requirements via mixer wagon.
• Moving stock in and out of barn.
• Identify health issues.

Your Key Skills & Experience

• Prior experience working with livestock.
• Motor bike, tractor, farm machinery experience.
• Knowledge of calf rearing techniques, health issues, and nutritional requirements.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Physical stamina and ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and strong observation skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and tasks on the farm.
• Willingness to learn and implement new farming practices and technologies.

In return: 

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days
• Flexible working options
• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
• Access to our employee shares scheme
• Wellbeing discounts
• Free onsite parking

A farmer owned co-operative, LIC is built on strong values, and today is at the cutting-edge of agri-tech and dairy herd improvement, providing world-renowned genetics and technology products. Dairying is our country’s economic powerhouse, and LIC proudly plays a key role in the industry. That’s why our staff includes some of the most creative, intellectual, and forward-thinking people in the marketplace. We know that to become the best, we’ve got to attract the best!

Join us !