Are you searching for a stable role in New Zealand’s meat processing industry with excellent pay and career progression? The Process Worker job at Silver Fern Farms Kennington offers competitive wages, on-the-job training, and long-term development opportunities. Based just north of Invercargill, this role is perfect for hardworking individuals who want to build transferable skills and become part of one of New Zealand’s most respected food companies.
About Silver Fern Farms
Silver Fern Farms is one of New Zealand’s leading food companies and the country’s largest red meat exporter. With a global presence spanning over 60 countries, the company is renowned for producing high-quality beef, lamb, and venison. Since its beginnings, Silver Fern Farms has been committed to “Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs.”
The company is strongly focused on sustainability, innovation, and people development. It invests heavily in training programs, modern facilities, and global food solutions. This commitment has allowed Silver Fern Farms to maintain its status as a trusted supplier to international markets while supporting New Zealand farmers and rural communities.
Silver Fern Farms’ Mission and Values
At Silver Fern Farms, the mission is about much more than meat processing. The company is purpose-led, striving to deliver nutritious food to the world while ensuring environmental responsibility. Its values are centered around integrity, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
Employees at Silver Fern Farms are supported with safe working conditions, opportunities to grow, and a culture of learning. The company embraces diversity, offers equal opportunities, and fosters an inclusive workplace where everyone’s contribution is valued.
Job Summary
The Process Worker role at Silver Fern Farms Kennington is a hands-on position in meat processing. No prior experience is required, as full training is provided. This makes the job accessible to motivated individuals who want to learn new skills while earning a competitive wage.
Located in Kennington, just 10 minutes north of Invercargill, the site is small and supportive, with around 60+ team members during the peak season. As a process worker, you will play a vital part in maintaining production, ensuring product quality, and following strict safety and compliance guidelines.
Role Overview and Opportunities
Working at Silver Fern Farms is more than just a job — it’s a career pathway. Many process workers go on to develop expertise in quality control, health and safety, trimming, leadership, and technical operations. With structured training programs and mentorship, employees are given every opportunity to upskill and progress within the business.
This role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week during the production season, with regular overtime available at premium rates. The company provides all safety gear and work clothing, ensuring you are fully equipped to succeed from day one.
Key Responsibilities
As a Process Worker at Silver Fern Farms Kennington, your daily duties will include:
- Completing on-the-job training to meet production standards.
- Assisting in processing, trimming, or knife work as required.
- Working closely with team members to achieve production targets.
- Following all health and safety procedures.
- Ensuring compliance with food quality and technical requirements.
- Contributing to a positive and hardworking team culture.
- Maintaining physical fitness to perform manual tasks.
- Supporting stock and product movement within the plant.
- Assisting with cleaning, maintenance, and compliance checks.
- Participating in overtime shifts when required.
Qualifications and Skills Required
To qualify for this role, you should meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (audit requirement).
- Have legal eligibility to work in New Zealand.
- Be physically fit and able to handle manual work.
- Willing to follow strict health, safety, and compliance rules.
- Pass pre-employment medical checks, drug/alcohol testing, and criminal background screening.
- Demonstrate a reliable, hardworking, and positive attitude.
Advantageous (but not required):
- Knife handling or trimming skills.
- Forklift licence.
- Prior experience in food processing.
Work Environment and Culture
The Kennington site offers a close-knit team culture with around 60 people at peak season. Employees enjoy a supportive workplace that values contribution, learning, and growth. The day shift runs from 6:00 am to 3:30 pm, making it suitable for those seeking consistent daytime hours.
Silver Fern Farms maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace to ensure safety and wellbeing. Employees also benefit from the company’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which provides confidential counselling and wellbeing services for both staff and their families.
Salary and Benefits
This Process Worker job offers competitive pay and excellent benefits, including:
- Minimum pay of $28.82 per hour after training.
- Overtime rates of $43+ per hour.
- Regular 40-hour weeks during production season, plus overtime opportunities.
- Free work clothing and safety gear.
- Access to quality meat at discounted “mates’ rates.”
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support.
- Career development and training pathways.
Training and Growth Opportunities
Silver Fern Farms is dedicated to helping employees succeed. Even if you have no experience, you will receive full training to meet production standards. Career pathways are available in areas such as:
- Quality control and compliance.
- Health and safety roles.
- Leadership and supervisory positions.
- Technical operations and specialist skills.
Many workers who start in entry-level processing roles move on to long-term, rewarding careers with the company.
Job Type and Contract Details
- Job Title: Process Worker
- Location: Kennington, New Zealand
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Hours: Approx. 40 hours/week during production, with overtime available.
- Shift: Day shift (6:00am – 3:30pm)
- Contract: Permanent (with training and career growth opportunities)
How to Apply
If you are a motivated individual ready to start a rewarding career in food production, apply directly through the official Silver Fern Farms job posting on Indeed.
Why Join Silver Fern Farms?
Joining Silver Fern Farms means becoming part of a company that is not just about processing meat, but about feeding the world responsibly. You’ll enjoy fair pay, strong support, and opportunities for growth while working in a safe and positive environment. With its global reputation and local commitment, Silver Fern Farms is the ideal place to start or grow your career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need experience for the Process Worker role?
No, full training is provided. Knife or forklift skills are advantageous but not required.
Q2: What is the minimum pay rate?
The starting pay is $28.82 per hour, with overtime at $43 per hour.
Q3: Where is the Kennington site located?
It’s located just off State Highway 1, 10 minutes north of Invercargill, New Zealand.
Q4: What hours will I work?
Day shift runs from 6:00am to 3:30pm, around 40 hours per week, plus overtime.
Q5: Is work clothing provided?
Yes, all safety gear and work clothing are supplied by Silver Fern Farms.
Q6: What checks are required before employment?
You must pass a medical assessment, criminal background check, and drug/alcohol test.
Q7: Are there opportunities for career growth?
Yes, you can advance into roles in quality control, health and safety, leadership, and more.
Q8: Can overseas applicants apply?
No, only candidates with legal eligibility to work in New Zealand can apply.
