Senior Manager of the Dairy Program

Wolfe's Neck Center•Freeport, ME

6d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) is a fast-growing nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research, and collaborations, Wolfe's Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own farm, regionally, and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems and mitigate the effects of a changing climate. In 2015, Wolfe's Neck Center established its organic dairy program, which is part of the direct farm supply for Stonyfield Organic and serves as a testing ground for new management technologies and techniques, while also training the next generation of farmers in rotational grazing and regenerative and organic agricultural systems. Wolfe's Neck Center also operates 3 acres of fruit and vegetable production, as well as several integrated small livestock systems. WNC's Dairy Program is part of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA), an accredited National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Reporting to the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships and participating in WNC's Program Leadership Team, the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program is responsible for the overall management of Wolfe's Neck Center's organic dairy and cattle operations, ensuring herd health, milk quality, pasture productivity, and farm viability. The position also serves as the lead mentor and supervisor for the on-site Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program, helping train the next generation of grazing dairy farmers. This role will provide day-to-day leadership, coordination, and operational oversight for pasture-based dairy and livestock programs, working collaboratively with farm colleagues to advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Wolfe's Neck Center. This oversight helps to ensure efficient farm operations, strong team communication, high standards of animal care, and alignment with organizational priorities and regenerative agriculture practices.

Requirements

6-8 years of dairy herd management, dairy operations leadership, or equivalent agricultural management experience
Demonstrated experience managing pasture-based and/or grazing dairy systems
Experience supervising employees, apprentices, interns, or farm teams
Experience developing and/or implementing dairy and/or livestock farmer training programs
Calm and safe stockmanship when handling all animals
Keen detection, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic cattle health conditions in a timely manner
Proven skills in management-intensive grazing on perennial pasture in dairy production systems
Knowledge of dairy herd health, reproduction, nutrition, grazing management, and milk production systems
Experience using herd management software and production recordkeeping systems
Ability to safely operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related implements
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Effective problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced agricultural environment
Commitment to mentorship, workforce development, animal welfare, safety, and continuous improvement
Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or a related field

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the organic dairy and cattle enterprises
Lead grazing and pasture management for the milking herd, including rotational grazing strategies
Develop and implement grazing plans, feeding strategies, and animal nutrition programs in collaboration with nutritionists and farm staff
Manage all aspects of herd health, including preventative care, disease monitoring, treatment protocols, and coordination with veterinarians
Oversee breeding and reproductive programs, including heat detection, artificial insemination (AI), calving management, and replacement planning
Ensure high standards of animal welfare, calf care, and nutrition
Monitor milk production, milk quality, and herd performance to meet operational and production goals
Supervise milking procedures and protocols to ensure excellence in hygiene, animal care, milk quality, and operational efficiency
Direct day-to-day farm operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive dairy and livestock systems
Manage feed inventory, feeding schedules, and ration implementation
Oversee pasture, forage, and land management activities that support grazing-based dairy production
Work with the Farming Operations team to ensure proper maintenance, sanitation, and functionality of the milking parlor, barns, fencing, farm infrastructure, and equipment
Operate and oversee the safe use of farm machinery and equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related implements
Manage purchasing, inventory, and farm inputs to support operational needs
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and farm performance
Recruit, hire, supervise, schedule, and mentor dairy staff and up to four DGA apprentices
Lead the on-site DGA program and create meaningful hands-on learning opportunities
Develop technical skills, leadership capabilities, and career pathways for apprentices and farm staff
Establish clear expectations, provide ongoing coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and foster accountability for apprentices
Build and maintain a positive, collaborative, safety-focused, and high-performing workplace culture
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Programs and the Farmer Training & Partnerships team to strengthen regional dairy workforce development structure and initiatives to expand the impact of the DGA program.
Develop, manage, and monitor the Dairy Program budget
Track and analyze production, financial, and operational performance against established targets
Manage farm expenses, purchasing decisions, inventory control, and resource allocation
Working with the Farming Operations team where appropriate, maintain accurate records related to herd health, breeding, milk production, organic compliance, inventory, and farm operations using herd management software and other recordkeeping systems
Prepare reports and provide recommendations to support strategic programmatic and organizational decision-making and goals
Along with the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships, serve as a primary point of contact for dairy-related industry partners, service providers, and stakeholders
Ensure compliance with USDA Organic standards, animal welfare requirements, environmental regulations, workplace safety standards, and partner quality expectations
Support organic certification processes, audits, inspections, and recordkeeping requirements
Collaborate with other WNC staff and external researchers, educational partners, and agricultural organizations to support on-farm dairy-related research, innovation, and demonstration projects
Contribute to the advancement of regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices that support the organization's mission
Along with the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships and other WNC staff, represent WNC at regional dairy, livestock, grazing, and farming-related conferences, meetings, and symposia.