Industrial 2 (Dairy Unit) – Hillsborough

Location: Hillsborough
Salary: £13.36 – £26.71 per hour
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (5 days), with rota-based weekend, holiday, early morning, and evening work.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and hardworking individuals to join our Dairy Unit team. This is a hands-on role supporting both commercial dairy operations and scientific research. The successful candidate will be part of a rota system to ensure the herd is cared for 365 days a year.

Key Responsibilities

• Milking Operations: Cow handling, preparation, milking, and parlour hygiene.
• Feeding Duties: Preparing and delivering experimental rations using machinery or manually.
• Pasture Management: Fertilising, mowing, harvesting, fencing, and water checks.
• Animal Health & Welfare: Identifying and treating illness, vaccinations, hoof care, and vet assistance.
• Fertility Management: Heat detection, artificial insemination, calving support, and calf care.
• General Livestock Duties: Bedding, clipping, and young-stock management.
• Record Keeping: Accurate herd health and management documentation.
• Cleanliness & Maintenance: Disinfecting accommodation, power hosing, grass cutting, and silo management.
• Evening Checks: Monitoring animals, especially calves and youngstock.

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 2 GCSEs (including English and Maths at grade C or above), or
  • Level 2 or higher qualification in Agriculture or a relevant field.
• Experience:
  • At least 12 months working in a Dairy Unit with over 200 dairy stock.
  • Must include milking, feeding, hygiene, and young-stock care.
• Skills:
  • Experience in pasture/grazing management, fertility management, and general livestock husbandry.
  • Knowledge of sustainable farming principles.
• Driving Licence:
  • Full UK manual driving licence (or exchangeable equivalent).

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