Farm Assistant

Join the Hōhepa team and be part of a unique organisation that supports young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live life fully.

Note: While Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is accredited to hire staff on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), we do not have a Job Check for this position so cannot support applicants with the visa process. Please do not apply if you do require visa support.

Hōhepa is a disability support service in Hawke’s Bay for people with intellectual disabilities. These people are full of life, and you will be helping them to reach their potential! 

We operate a special school, residential homes, day activities, and a wide range of enterprises, including artisan cheese making, and a small farm. Our biodynamic farms in Clive and Poraiti are BioGro certified and play a vital role in providing work opportunities and meaningful engagement for the people we support.

Nga taonga kei roto I tou kete matauranga | What you bring:

This is a hands-on role supporting the day-to-day operations of our dairy farm, including milking, animal welfare, and pasture management. You’ll work collaboratively with our farm and cheesery teams and contribute to a supportive and inclusive working environment.

This is a full time role working over 5 days, some weekend work and flexibility are required to meet the seasonality of this type of work. We are also looking for people interested in casual work – please indicate this in your application form. You’ll be supporting the day-to-day running of our dairy farm, tasks include:

• Ensure milking is carried out in full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards and plans.
• Maintain milk yields, quality and production through the implementation and maintenance of sound animal welfare and pasture management practices.
• Carry out preventive and curative health protocols and treatments for sick cows, according to the guidelines of the Dairy Manager.
• Support with the day-to-day operations of the farm. Includes feeding out, mowing, weed management, effluent management, irrigation management, infrastructure and vehicle maintenance, liaising with contractors where required.
• Ensure that the farm and all activities adhere to all compliance requirements including Demeter and BioGro certification.

Why Join Hōhepa?

• Be part of a community that values every individual.
• Work in a beautiful rural setting with a purpose-driven team.
• Receive training and support in biodynamic farming practices.
• Make a real impact in the lives of others.

If you’re ready to contribute to our vision of Every Life Fully Lived, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Recruitment Manager on 0272654697 

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Please note: Applications that are clearly generated using AI tools will not be considered.

Please note that the 90-day trial period may apply to any successful applicant who hasn’t previously worked for Hohepa Hawke’s Bay.