Position: Dairy Assistant
Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 Dependant on experience
Benefits: Accommodation is available, pension, 28 days annual leave including bank holidays
Role Overview
The Dairy Assistant works as part of the Kingsbeck Dairy team and assists in the day-to-day milking and care of Kingsbeck’s pedigree Jersey herd and young stock, and in the general operation and maintenance of the dairy. They ensure high standards of animal care and stockman-ship and also help maintain the dairy at a standard which meets all dairy farm assurance scheme criteria.
This position is designed to allow an individual to successfully develop a range of skills within an operational dairy, allowing them to progress onwards to a Dairy Herdsperson role.
Job Description
The following is intended to provide guidance as to the duties and responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. You will from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities.
Specific responsibilities will include:
Alongside the current management team, this role would support with:
Daily milking and supervision of a 280 strong pedigree Jersey herd and young stock.
Dairy herd management, assisting and supporting the current dairy team with managing the herd at Culter Haugh Farm.
Ensuring cleanliness and tidiness on Kingsbeck farms, making sure that all equipment, parts, sundry items, PPE etc are put away at the end of each day. This includes the ATV and any dairy-relevant machinery.
Maintain awareness of on-farm health and safety, especially when working with the herd.
Assist in updating and maintain all legally required and general administrative records as instructed by the Dairy Manager.
Assist in tracking and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) and initiatives for productivity enhancements.
Assist in projects, as may be required, to improve and develop the dairy enterprise.
Assist in maintaining dairy equipment and machinery in good working order.
Support, manage and report any technical issues faced by the dairy herd. On-site training will be provided to learn how to manage the dairy site.
Manage and maintain overall animal welfare to required standards, reporting any issues immediately to the Dairy Manager to ensure issues are handled quickly and humanely
Co-ordinate feed delivery to ensure a consistent supply to the herd.
Assist with calving of the dairy herd in particular dry cows, breaking in of fresh cows and assisting in calf rearing.
Engage in continuous professional development suitable to the role.
Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with Kingsbeck staff, contractors, suppliers and neighbours.
Any other duties or tasks that may be required or requested by the Dairy Manager and the MD of the Kingsbeck Estate.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
This position is designed for those looking to take the next step in their career and focuses on development and expansion of skills within an operational dairy.
The successful candidate should have:
At least 1 year of experience working within a farm or dairy (preferred).
Experience working on a Dairy which uses robots (desirable, but not essential).
Demonstrable organisational skills.
Willingness to work sometimes long and unsociable hours.
Demonstrable IT skills (Dairy farm software experience is desirable but not essential).
Effective communication skills.
Works effectively as part of a team.
Excellent time keeping.
Good problem-solving skills and a positive can-do attitude.
Experience of animal care, welfare and handling would be ideal, but not essential.
Driving licence.
Apply online by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button.
***Overseas applicants, please note that this job is not sponsored, so please DO NOT apply unless you have the legal right to live and work in the UK***
