Dairy Farm Assistant

ily-run dairy farm in Rathangan, Co. Kildare. We are looking for an experienced, reliable Dairy Farm Assistant to join our small team and support the day-to-day running of the herd and farm.Main DutiesMilking cows twice daily, including udder preparation, cluster attachment, and cleaning and sanitising the parlour and milking equipment after each milkingFeeding and bedding livestock, including mixing and distributing rations and silageCalf rearing: feeding calves, monitoring health and growth, and maintaining clean calf housingAssisting at calving and caring for freshly calved cowsMonitoring herd health, identifying lameness, mastitis, heat detection and other issues, and reporting to the farm ownerAdministering basic treatments under instruction and keeping accurate health and treatment recordsMoving and handling stock safely between paddocks, sheds and the yardCleaning sheds, yards, cubicles and slurry areasOperating tractors and farm machinery for feeding, scraping and general yard workAssisting with grassland management, fencing, paddock maintenance and general farm repairsFollowing all farm health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity proceduresRequirementsMinimum 2 years’ experience working on a commercial dairy farmHands-on experience milking in a parlour and working with dairy cattleExperience in calf rearing and assisting at calvingAbility to operate a tractor and farm machinery safelyGood knowledge of animal welfare and stock handlingPhysically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditionsWillingness to work early mornings, weekends and a rota during busy periods such as calving seasonReliable, punctual and able to work on your own initiative and as part of a teamBasic spoken English sufficient to follow instructions and communicate on farm safetyDesirableExperience with AI or heat detectionExperience with herd recording systemsFull driving licenceHow to ApplySend your CV to Douglas Ward at [email protected].