A poultry farm in Canterbury, New Zealand needs poultry farm workers for its broiler and layer sheds. This is a full-time role with day shifts on a roster, including some weekend cover, since the birds need care every day of the week. You will work mostly indoors in climate-controlled sheds, with some outdoor tasks, so this job suits reliable, hands-on people who are comfortable around live birds and take animal care seriously on every shift.
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The farm pays the current New Zealand market average of about NZD 24 to NZD 28 per hour, with on-farm accommodation available on some roles. The listing did not state a wage, so this range is a fair guide. Workers who take on shed-lead duties or handle the automated systems confidently earn toward the higher end, and there is a clear route to better pay as you learn the operation and prove dependable.
Company Overview
The employer runs a modern poultry operation with well-equipped sheds and strict biosecurity and welfare standards. It supplies eggs and poultry to the regional market and keeps a steady production cycle through the year, which means consistent hours for its workers. Supervisors train new starters on feeding systems, bird health, and shed hygiene, so beginners settle in quickly even without poultry experience. The sheds are climate-controlled and the daily routine is clear and well organised. New workers are paired with experienced hands during their first weeks, and the farm supports those who want to grow into shed-lead or supervisor roles with better pay and more responsibility over time. The sheds are modern and well maintained, and the feeding and ventilation systems are largely automated, so much of the day is steady, routine work once you know the setup. Days off are planned in advance on the roster, which makes it easy to balance work with family and rest, and the team pulls together during busy clear-outs and new-flock arrivals.
Responsibilities
- Feed and water birds and check the automated feeding systems.
- Monitor bird health and report any sick or distressed birds.
- Collect, grade, and pack eggs where the role requires it.
- Keep sheds clean and follow strict biosecurity routines.
- Adjust ventilation, lighting, and temperature controls as directed.
- Move and handle birds calmly during transfers and clear-outs.
- Record feed use, mortality, and production figures.
- Load and unload feed, supplies, and packed product.
- Follow all animal-welfare, hygiene, and safety rules.
Qualifications and Requirements
- You stay fit for active shed work, lifting, and standing for long hours.
- You understand basic English instructions.
- You hold valid New Zealand work rights.
- You are comfortable working around live birds.
- Poultry or farm experience helps but is not essential.
- You follow strict hygiene and biosecurity rules without shortcuts.
- You keep reliable attendance on a roster, including some weekends.
- A driver’s licence helps for rural travel.
Benefits and Perks
- Market-rate pay with on-farm accommodation on some roles.
- Training in bird care, feeding systems, and shed hygiene.
- Indoor, climate-controlled work for much of the day.
- Protective gear and equipment provided.
- Steady, year-round work with a clear roster.
- Supportive supervisors and a well-organised operation.
- Clear paths to shed-lead and supervisor roles.
- A good entry point into modern poultry farming.
How to Apply
Send your updated CV to the employer through the official job listing. Mention any poultry, livestock, or farm experience, whether you drive, and your start date. The farm favours reliable workers who take hygiene and bird welfare seriously, so make those points clear in your note. If you are dependable, comfortable around birds, and happy with steady indoor shed work, this is a solid role with room to grow into a shed-lead position over time.
