Dairy Farm Team Member (Milking/Calf Care)

Wright's Dairy Farm • North Smithfield, RI

1d • $18 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Join the Farm Team at Wright’s Dairy Farm, where the care of cows is paramount from barn to bottle. This hands-on role is crucial for delivering quality products. We are seeking dependable, hard-working individuals for a milking and calf care position. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys physical work, animals, and being part of a proud team. The Farm Team Member (Milking & Calf Care) is responsible for daily milking and calf care, including cleaning, sanitation, and related farm duties. This role is vital for maintaining milk quality, animal health, welfare, sanitation, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the farm. The position demands reliability, attention to detail, physical stamina, and adherence to procedures in a fast-paced, 365-day dairy operation. While the primary focus is milking and calf care, opportunities for learning additional herd and farm responsibilities may arise as the employee gains knowledge and proficiency.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to follow established safety rules, sanitation requirements, animal-care procedures, and operating practices.
• Demonstrated reliability and dependability.
• Ability to work independently while also working effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Willingness to perform hands-on work involving livestock, cleaning, feeding, and other routine farm duties.
• Ability and willingness to work in a 365-day agricultural operation, including weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in dairy farming, milking operations, livestock care, or calf care is preferred.
• Experience working directly with livestock is preferred.
• Experience operating farm equipment, such as a skid steer or similar equipment, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled milking of the herd in accordance with established farm procedures.
• Prepare cows for milking by cleaning and sanitizing udders according to established protocols.
• Properly attach, monitor, and remove milking equipment.
• Monitor cows and equipment throughout the milking process to maintain proper milk flow and identify irregularities.
• Identify and promptly report concerns such as abnormal milk, signs of mastitis, injury, illness, or other changes in a cow's condition.
• Perform appropriate post-milking teat care and other established cow-care procedures.
• Follow all milk quality, sanitation, hygiene, and food safety procedures.
• Clean and sanitize milking equipment, parlor areas, and related tools following established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe milking area.
• Observe cows and calves regularly for changes in health, behavior, appetite, mobility, or overall condition.
• Recognize and promptly communicate signs of illness, injury, distress, or other concerns to the Herd Manager.
• Handle livestock calmly and safely using established animal-handling practices.
• Follow established procedures for animal welfare and humane treatment.
• Follow established cleaning, sanitation, and biosecurity procedures throughout the farm.
• Clean and maintain work areas, equipment, tools, and animal-care areas as assigned.
• Properly use cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and other supplies according to established procedures.
• Follow procedures designed to prevent the spread of illness between animals, groups, and areas of the farm.
• Maintain personal cleanliness and required protective practices when working with animals, milk, feed, and equipment.
• Follow all farm safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of livestock movement, equipment, vehicles, machinery, environmental conditions, and other potential hazards.
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, animal health concerns, and operational issues promptly.
• Follow established procedures when working around livestock, equipment, chemicals, and other farm hazards.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
• Communicate effectively with the Herd Manager and other farm team members regarding animal care, work assignments, and operational concerns.
• Maintain professional behavior when interacting with coworkers, managers, visitors, and other individuals on the farm.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Benefits for eligible employees
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Training & growth opportunities (subject to eligibility requirements and applicable company policies)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed