Dairy Farm Worker

Work description

Crops/Commodities: Livestock Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays): Workers will perform various agricultural labor job duties associated with the raising, care, feeding, reproduction, housing, and management of dairy cattle in support of our dairy farm's operations and seasonal need for labor during the contract period. All work will be performed under the direction of the employer or designated supervisors, and workers must follow all safety, animal-handling, sanitation, and biosecurity protocols constantly. Workers may not make veterinary or management-level decisions. Workers may assist with seasonal dairy herd management and care duties common throughout the production cycle during distinct timeframes reoccurring in the late-winter/spring and late-summer/early fall, which are tied in part to weather conditions/temperatures/climate which affect the dairy cattle. These duties may include feeding and watering livestock, moving cattle between pens or pastures, cleaning and maintaining pens, barns, and bedding areas, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment. Workers may assist with maternity and calving-related duties as needed during periods of herd turnover and calving activity, including monitoring cows during calving, assisting with newborn calf care as directed, ensuring calves are properly fed and bedded, maintaining clean and dry maternity areas, and observing animals for health concerns. Any health or safety concerns must be immediately reported to supervisory personnel. Milking duties will include preparing cows for milking by wiping teats, applying pre-dip, stripping foremilk, attaching milking units, monitoring milking equipment during operation, and applying post-dip after milking. Workers will move cows to and from the milking parlor as directed and must follow proper livestock handling procedures to ensure animal welfare and worker safety. Workers will clean and sanitize milking parlors, stalls, holding areas, and equipment according to established dairy sanitation practices. Workers will monitor milk flow and observe cows for abnormal behavior or milk conditions and must immediately report concerns to a supervisor without attempting to diagnose or treat animals. Routine cleaning and basic maintenance of milking equipment, milk hoses, and work areas will be conducted as directed. Workers will also assist with other seasonal dairy operation activities occurring during the contract period, including maintaining facilities and livestock areas impacted by changing weather conditions and supporting daily herd management needs necessary to sustain production and animal welfare. Workers must be able to work in varying weather conditions common to Florida dairy operations, including heat, humidity, cold temperatures, wind, and rain. Duties may require standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, and managing livestock. All work performed by the worker will be in accordance with employer instructions and established dairy management practices during this period of employment.