Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker

Offering a welcoming and supportive environment, we are seeking an experienced Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker on a full-time basis to oversee the milking functions of our 400+ cows as well as undertake responsibilities associated with staff supervision and animal welfare.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration available - between $75,000 to $90,000 per annum.

• Full time opportunity.
• Great working environment and ability to contribute to the success of the organisation.
• Strong culture of training, safety and support.
• Opportunity to love what you do – every single day.

Task & responsibilities

Working collaboratively with your team to achieve consistent compliance with guidelines and policy, responsibilities of this role will include: 

•  Assist in the planning of all aspects of the milk production process including supervision and coordination of the milking shed and staff. 
• Coordinate and implement reproductive programs, including artificial insemination and herd fertility.
• Implement calf heath and calving procedures, including conducting internal assessments throughout pregnancy. 
• Plan and manage pastures and crops for livestock production and develop livestock feeding plans. 
• Analyse product to ensure internal and external quality standards are maintained.
• Supervise animal health programs, handle sick or injured animals and maintain an optimally healthy environment for the livestock consistent with standards and guidelines. 
• Supervise work routines, quality achievement and general staff performance of Dairy Cattle Farm Operators and Farm Hands. 
• Ensuring documentation is completed and maintained, meeting internal and external standards and accurate stock and inventory control. 
• Operate milking plant and equipment in a safe manner.
• Reading and recording instrument information e.g. milk vat temperatures and cow numbers and matching cow ID to calves to produce a quality milk outcome.
• Calf feeding, including tubing colostrum.
• Assisting with and/or performing irrigation works.
• Transport, handle, prepare, apply and store chemicals to legislative and internal requirements. 
• Operate and supervise the maintenance of farm and dairy shed-related vehicles, plant and equipment and maintain sheds, fixtures and fences where appropriate.
• Contribute to and implement Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) requirements.
• Coordinate the response to emergencies for both occupational health and safety emergencies and animal welfare emergencies.

Qualification & experience

The ideal candidates for these opportunities will have:

• An AQF Certificate III (or equivalent) plus 2 years recent and relevant work experience OR a minimum of 3 years of recent and relevant work experience in lieu of the formal qualification.
• Experience in the various responsibilities listed above. 
• An exceptional work ethic. 
• A strong focus on safety and compliance. 
• A mechanical aptitude and ability to problem solve. 
• Physically fit to undertake the responsibilities listed above. 
• Demonstrable experience adhering to regulations, policy and procedure. 
• Intermediate communication skills – both verbal and written and an empathetic nature. 
• Ability to work well within a team environment, interacting respectfully at all times. 
• Experience leading a small team.
• Current drivers' license. 
• Q-Fever Vaccinated (or willing to get).
• Mobile plant operation tickets and/or experience preferred. 
• Ability to take direction, whilst using your initiative and working autonomously where required also. 
• A great attitude!