Silver Fern Farms Pareora (Timaru) are looking for skilled and experienced butchers, knifehands and boners for our 2026 season. If you have worked in lamb, mutton, venison, pork or bobby calf processing – we want to hear from you.
Our Pareora processing site employs around 750 staff at the peak of the season. We’re a diverse, inclusive company that values individuals working independently and together toward shared success.
We are a family-oriented team and proud of our diverse culture, leading the way in the development of our people through our values-led approach of Always caring; our Manaakitanga, Unstoppable together; our Kotahitanga, and Improving tomorrow; our Kaitiakitanga.
Te mahi, our working arrangements:
- Complete your on-the-job training and earn a minimum $28.82/hr plus extras.
- Usually, 40 hours per week during peak production season, plus overtime opportunities.
- Minimum $43/hr production overtime rate.
- 8-hour shifts, day shifts and evening shifts times vary from 6:00am to 3:00pm, and 3:45pm to 12:00am
- All work clothing and safety gear is provided.
Te tikanga, the job requirements:
- Industrial manufacturing meat processing experience
- Proven knifehand/boning experience in a processing environment
- Experience with lamb, mutton, venison, pork or bobby calves is highly valued.
- You’re an active team member who can work closely with others and bring a positive, hardworking attitude.
- Able to understand and follow health and safety, quality, and technical compliance requirements.
- Eligible to work in New Zealand.
- Must be 18 years or older to meet audit requirements.
- Able to pass our pre-employment medical checks, criminal convictions check, and physical fitness requirements.
Ngā hua, our benefits:
- Discounted staff meat sales to help nourish you and your whānau.
- On-the-job training and opportunities for career development.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing confidential counselling and wellbeing support to all employees and their eligible family members.
Te ahurea, why work at Silver Fern Farms:
Silver Fern Farms is all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. We strive to continuously improve our operations, upskill our people and foster an environment of mutual learning. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and progress with New Zealand's market leader in quality red meat production, with customers in over 60 countries around the world. We're a purpose-led organisation with a proud story to tell. Driven by our passion, our innovation, and most importantly our people, we're helping to shape the future of food on the global stage.
Silver Fern Farms is working hard to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screening is mandatory.
Tono mai, to apply:
If you're a hard worker looking to earn a good living, we'd love to hear from you. Click the 'Apply' button below to submit your application or find out more.
Please note, we are unable to accept overseas applications for these positions.