Dairy Farm Assistant

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the Eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.

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 Duties

Milking cows twice daily, including udder preparation, cluster attachment, and cleaning and sanitising the parlour and milking equipment after each milking

Feeding and bedding livestock, including mixing and distributing rations and silage

Calf rearing: feeding calves, monitoring health and growth, and maintaining clean calf housing

Assisting at calving and caring for freshly calved cows

Monitoring herd health, identifying lameness, mastitis, heat detection and other issues, and reporting to the farm owner

Administering basic treatments under instruction and keeping accurate health and treatment records

Moving and handling stock safely between paddocks, sheds and the yard

Cleaning sheds, yards, cubicles and slurry areas

Operating tractors and farm machinery for feeding, scraping and general yard work

Assisting with grassland management, fencing, paddock maintenance and general farm repairs

Following all farm health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity procedures

Requirements

Minimum 2 years’ experience working on a commercial dairy farm

Hands-on experience milking in a parlour and working with dairy cattle

Experience in calf rearing and assisting at calving

Ability to operate a tractor and farm machinery safely

Good knowledge of animal welfare and stock handling

Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Willingness to work early mornings, weekends and a rota during busy periods such as calving season

Reliable, punctual and able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Basic spoken English sufficient to follow instructions and communicate on farm safety

Desirable

Experience with AI or heat detection

Experience with herd recording systems

Full driving licence

How to Apply

Send your CV to Douglas Ward at [email protected].