Herd Lead Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery

Herd Lead Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery Champaign, IL Job Details Part-time $25 an hour 8 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Employee discount Qualifications Animal health monitoring Interpersonal skills Outdoor work Livestock handling Dependability Ability to motivate Animal milking Farming Team motivation (leadership skill) Communication skills Time management Full Job Description

ABOUT PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery has been raising certified Animal Welfare Approved dairy goats in central Illinois since 2004. We operate a 70+ head milking herd of purebred LaManchas, Nubians, and LaMancha-Nubian Experimentals, and produce artisan cheese through our on-site creamery. We are part of a larger organization committed to advancing regenerative, humane agriculture and supporting Midwest food producers. We're located five minutes from the University of Illinois College of ACES and UI College of Veterinary Medicine — and we work alongside some of the most dedicated ag professionals in the country.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Herd Lead is a key daily operations role on the Prairie Fruits Farm dairy team. Working closely under the Dairy & Herd Manager, this position provides skilled, reliable hands for the core work that keeps our herd healthy and our dairy running — milking, health monitoring, kidding season support, and day-to-day farm care. Beyond individual tasks, the Herd Lead provides on-the-ground leadership and training support for seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers, helping maintain the consistency and culture that define our operation. Hours flex intentionally with the seasons. Kidding season (late February through May) is our most intense period, and we depend on experienced, energized team members who can step up when it matters most. The rest of the year settles into a steadier rhythm.

POSITION DETAILS

Reports To:

Dairy & Herd Manager Hours:

25-40 hours/week (seasonal variation)

Classification:

FTE, Exempt (hourly)

Schedule:

Includes early mornings, weekends, and rotating holiday coverage

Location:

Champaign, IL — on-site required

Contact:

PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM & CREAMERY

Position Description Champaign, Illinois

SEASONAL SCHEDULE

Season:

Kidding Season Hours/Week:

Kidding Season What to

Expect:

Late Feb -

May:

Peak intensity. Kidding support, extended shifts, higher team presence.

Season:

Rest of Year Hours/Week:

25-32 hrs What to

Expect:

June -

Feb:

Steady daily rhythm. Milking, herd care, facility support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Milking Operations ▸ Perform milking shifts according to established protocols, maintaining milk quality and parlor cleanliness ▸ Monitor equipment function and flag maintenance needs to the Herd Manager ▸ Maintain accurate milking records as directed Daily Herd Care & Health Monitoring Daily Herd Care & Health Monitoring ▸ Conduct daily health checks and observe animal behavior, condition, and feed/water intake ▸ Identify and report health concerns, injuries, or behavioral changes promptly ▸ Assist with or perform treatments, hoof care, and routine health protocols under Herd Manager direction ▸ Support biosecurity and quarantine protocols across the herd Kidding Season Support Kidding Season Support ▸ Provide hands-on assistance through the kidding season (late February-May), including overnight and early-morning coverage as needed ▸ Assist with births, neonatal care, colostrum management, and kid feeding ▸ Support CAE prevention protocols and kid health monitoring from birth ▸ Help manage the increased pace, team size, and complexity of peak season operations Farm Chores & Facility Care ▸ Complete daily farm chores including feeding, watering, bedding, and pen maintenance ▸ Support pasture rotation, fencing checks, and general barn upkeep ▸ Keep work areas clean, organized, and safe for animals and people Team Leadership & Training Support Team Leadership & Training Support ▸ Serve as an on-the-ground leader for seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers during shifts ▸ Demonstrate and reinforce SOPs, safety practices, and animal handling standards ▸ Support onboarding of new team members under the direction of the Herd Manager ▸ Model the care, consistency, and professionalism that define the Prairie Fruits Farm team

QUALIFICATIONS

Required ▸ At least 2 years of hands-on experience with dairy goats or other livestock ▸ Experience with milking operations and basic animal health observation ▸ Reliable, punctual, and able to work early mornings, weekends, and rotating holidays ▸ Comfortable working in all weather conditions and performing physical farm tasks ▸ A team player who communicates well and takes direction with a good attitude Preferred ▸ Kidding season experience — even one full season is a meaningful differentiator ▸ Familiarity with CAE prevention protocols, colostrum management, or kid rearing ▸ Experience supporting or leading a small team in an agricultural setting ▸ Background in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Agriculture, or related field ▸ Interest in regenerative, high-welfare dairy production and working with students and volunteers

WHY JOIN PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM

This is a role for someone who loves the daily rhythms of animal care — the early mornings, the routine of milking, the quiet satisfaction of a healthy herd. It's also an opportunity to be part of something larger: a farm doing regenerative, high-welfare dairy the right way, five minutes from one of the country's top agricultural universities, surrounded by people who care deeply about this work. We offer a mission-driven, supportive workplace. Farming is demanding, and we don't pretend otherwise — but you'll never feel like you're going it alone. The team at Prairie Fruits Farm is one of the best parts of working here, and we're looking for someone who will add to that.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a resume and a brief note about your animal care background to with the subject line "Herd Lead Application." Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.

Pay:

$25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person