CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DAIRY OPERATIONS MANAGER - FULL TIME

We currently have an opening for a Dairy Operations Manager that will oversee the raw dairy enterprise at our Brunner Farm location in Dundee, Illinois. This is a working role that requires managing a herd of approximately 40-50 purebred Guernsey cows in grass-based operation that produces and sells high quality A2A2 raw milk through an on-site farm store.  We utilize organic feed and practices in our operations, but at this time only our Wisconsin farmland and egg production is certified organic.  All cows are A2 genetics and 90% grass fed, with a small ration of organic grain and minerals provided while milking.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manage daily operations of the raw dairy enterprise, including once-a-day milking of approximately 20-24 cows, feeding and grazing, and barn and equipment cleaning. Plan is to transition back to twice-a-day milking when new manager is in place.
  • Manage dairy pastures using regenerative best practices to achieve optimal animal nutrition and continuous improvements in soil fertility and biological activity
  • Consistently improve production and quality in the raw dairy enterprise, increasing income/profitability and reducing expenses where possible
  • Manage dairy pasture, barn property and infrastructure to maintain a neat, tidy, and inviting presence for visitors, customers, and the community at large
  • Maintain production, health, and calving records for the herd
  • Manage inventory and ordering of all dairy supplies including organic feed, hay, straw, minerals, supplements, milking supplies, etc.
  • Manage reproductive schedule for the dairy herd (currently with a bull), including scheduling veterinary visits for pregnancy checks, calving schedules, and pre-and post-calving cow care.
  • Test milk samples on a weekly basis and submit monthly milk samples to accredited labs to maintain our raw milk permit.
  • Serve as a key participant in weekly Farm Operations and Holistic Management planning meetings

Qualifications:

  • 2-5 years of dairy operations experience, preferably in a managed grazing operation
  • Detailed knowledge of dairy operations including cow management, dairy nutrition, reproduction, calving, cow health issues, calf care, and milking equipment operation and maintenance.

Skills/Abilities:

  • Keen observation skills
  • High level of cleanliness and attention to detail
  • Strong record-keeping skills
  • Independent and dependable
  • Self-motivated with high degree of initiative
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • High degree of integrity

Compensation and Benefits

  • Compensation range $60,000 - $70,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience, plus annual incentive pay based on farm financial performance.
  • Paid time off
  • Monthly food stipend
  • Potential for equity participation in the farm business after 12 months of tenure

Interested and qualified applicants please submit resume and letter of interest to cliff@allgrassfarms.com.