Livestock Worker, Laborer

Job description

Workers will perform general dairy farm labor associated with milking and maternity care during the late winter and spring production period. All work will be performed under the direction of the employer or designated supervisors, and workers must follow all safety, animal-handling, and biosecurity protocols at all times. Workers may not make any veterinary or management-level decisions.

Milking duties include preparing cows for milking by wiping teats, applying pre-dip, stripping foremilk, attaching milking units, and applying post-dip. Workers will move cows into and out of the parlor as directed and must follow proper handling procedures to ensure animal welfare. Workers will clean and sanitize parlor floors, stalls, holding areas, and equipment as instructed. Workers will monitor milk flow and observe cows for any abnormal behavior or milk conditions and must immediately report concerns to a supervisor without attempting to diagnose or treat animals. Routine cleaning and maintenance of milking equipment, hoses, and work areas will be performed as directed.

In addition, workers will assist with maternity and calving-related duties common during the late winter and spring season. Duties include monitoring cows during calving, assisting with newborn calf care as directed, ensuring calves are properly fed, bedded, and protected from cold or wet conditions, and performing frequent health observations of cows and calves during the calving period. Workers will provide and replace bedding, maintain clean and dry maternity and calving areas, and assist with sheltering livestock during adverse weather conditions. Any health concerns must be reported immediately to supervisory personnel.

Special Requirements

Hours listed in Section A.6 are the anticipated hours to be worked. These hours could increase or decrease based on weather conditions, crop delay, pests or disease, crop yield, available labor, and or productivity. Use of cell phones during work hours is prohibited, supervisors will have phones in case of emergency.