Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker

EMU SPRINGS DAIRY PTY LTD

• Offering a balanced, lasting career in the dairy industry.
• Permanent Full-time position

Who are we?

EMU SPRINGS DAIRY PTY LTD is an industry leading dairy cattle farming business operated by three Australian families and based in Tintinara, regional South Australia. We currently milk around 980 cows at peak, producing over 7,5 million litres of milk and 600,000 kgs milk solids, with milk primarily going to the Australian domestic market.

Position

We are seeking a FULL-TIME Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker to work alongside us in our dairy cattle farming business. The position will involve the planning of all aspects of milk production processes under the supervision of the management team.

The Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker will be required to work in all aspects of herd management, youngstock management and feed management, including milk harvesting, animal husbandry, pasture production, and plant, equipment and infrastructure maintenance. The Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker will also supervise work routines and staff performance of less experienced employees such as an assistant farmhand.

Main Tasks:

Milk Harvesting

Plan all aspects of milk production processes including management and coordination of milking shed routines.

Identify and correct problems in the machine function and operation as they arise.

Identify and correct unsafe and unacceptable milking practices.

Train others in correct milk harvesting technique.

Oversee adherence to quality assurance programs.

Organise staff involved with the dairy routine.

Oversee the cleaning up procedure and preparation for the next milking.

Operate milking plant and equipment in a safe manner.

Operate the dairy effluent recycling system.

Animal Husbandry

Coordinate and implement reproductive programs, including artificial insemination, herd fertility management, detection of oestrous and pregnancy.

Determine ration and deliver appropriate feed to replacement heifers.

Monitor growth rates against targets.

Administer drenches, vaccines, mineral supplements.

Organise mating program for rising 2 year olds.

Select cows for AI, assist with semen selection.

Thaw semen and inseminate .

Mark inseminated cows and keep insemination records.

Apply heat detection aids, identify, record, mark and draft cows on heat, segregate and prepare for insemination.

Implement calving procedures, including the ability to physically conduct unsupervised internal assessments to minimise the incidence of still births or injuries to cow or calf.

Be involved in the prescribing and implementation of the animal husbandry program including training and supervision of staff. This includes reproduction, herd health programs, and young stock management.

Supervise animal health programs, handle sick or injured animals and maintain an optimal environment for the well-being of livestock consistent with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Cattle.

Feed Management and Delivery

Plan and manage pastures and crops for livestock production and develop livestock feeding plans.

Determine pasture availability based on growth rates and rotation length.

Oversee its allocation including setting up rotation plan and use of temporary fencing.

Set up, operate and monitor concentrate feed delivery equipment at dairy and elsewhere on farm.

Inspect livestock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae.

Oversee the processing of concentrates to deliver the prescribed ration.

Manage stored feed inventory.

Analyse, implement, and maintain high standards of quality.

Pasture Production and Cropping

Determine paddocks to lock up for forage conservation and the most appropriate time of harvesting.

Follow weed management policy on farm. Monitor and determine most appropriate treatment for pasture and crop pests.

Assist with pivot irrigation operation and maintenance.

Transport, handle and store chemicals; prepare and apply chemicals.

Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance

Implement the dairy maintenance schedule including replacement of rubberware, routine machine testing and maintenance of equipment.

Operate farm and dairy shed-related vehicles, plant and equipment.

Identify and report defective equipment ; plan and perform maintenance of plant and machinery.

Plan and perform maintenance works on sheds, fixtures and fittings, fences and surrounds and install new or replacement equipment or fittings.

Record keeping and OH&S

Maintain records to ensure accurate information for stock and inventory control.

Ensure food safety regulatory requirements are met.

Contribute to and implement OH&S requirements.

Coordinate the response to emergencies for both occupational health and safety emergencies and animal welfare emergencies.

Participate in enterprise/industry training sessions and workshops as required.

Key requirements

At least an AQF certificate III (or equivalent) and at leas