Dairy Herd Manager

Qualifications:

2-5 years of dairy herd experience Prior employee supervision or management experience Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team Fluency in Spanish preferred; dairy Spanish proficiency required at a minimum Excellent skills to communicate effectively with owners and team members Valid driver's license Proficiency with computer systems and dairy management software Degree in animal science, dairy science, or a related field preferred, but not required

Summary:

We are a family operated dairy farm with 1100 milking cows in southwest Michigan seeking a dairy herd manager/herdsman. Our dairy strives to produce a high-quality product by focusing on animal health, nutrition, and maintaining a well-rounded farm team. We are seeking a motivated and experienced dairy professional to join our team in a leadership role focused on herd health, team development, and daily operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Herd Health and Reproduction:

Oversee herd health - including vaccination schedules, treatments, assist with calvings, IV administration, and overall animal wellbeing. Use CowManager and Dairy Comp/PC Dart to maintain accurate records Make culling recommendations Support reproductive programs, including ultrasound, AI breeding, and synchronization protocols - willing to train the right candidate.

Team Leadership and Training:

Lead and support a team of 15 employees by setting clear priorities and communicating expectations effectively. Provide training on milking procedures, health protocols, and workplace safety to help the team succeed. Coach both new and current team members as they build the skills needed to perform confidently in their roles. Partner with ownership on hiring, employee development, performance management, and staffing decisions. Collaboration with

Partners and Specialists:

Work closely with veterinarians to address herd health needs and follow effective treatment protocols. Collaborate with state and federal inspectors and dairy co-op representatives to address issues that may arise and maintain smooth operations. Communicate with service providers, including milk haulers, to keep day-to-day activities running efficiently.

Inventory and Supply Coordination:

Manage inventory of medications, vaccines, and other herd health supplies to ensure the team is well equipped. Order medications and general herd supplies in a timely manner to support daily needs. Maintain adequate parlor and youngstock supplies to keep operations running smoothly.

Facility and Equipment Oversight:

Identify and report repair needs promptly to the appropriate maintenance team. Work with management to help keep facilities well maintained and operating as intended. Coordinate repairs as needed to minimize disruptions to daily operations. Help ensure clean, orderly pens throughout all barns.

Youngstock Care and Oversight:

Oversee youngstock health, growth, and cleanliness of pens and hutches. Review vaccination protocols with the veterinarian and help ensure they are carried out correctly. Manage colostrum handling from collection and storage through feeding to maintain high quality standards. Support the calf team in maintaining timely weaning schedules for strong calf performance. Supervise sanitation of calf bottles and the calf milk pasteurization system.

Parlor Operations and Milk Quality:

Work with the parlor team to improve routines, consistency, and efficiency. Develop and implement parlor SOPs and operating protocols with staff. Help ensure proper operation of milking equipment, including the parlor, compressors, and cooling systems. Monitor milk quality and production, bulk tank temperatures, somatic cell counts, and overall quality standards. This role requires a hands-on leader who is passionate about animal care, committed to maintaining high operational standards, and dedicated to supporting team success. By leading with integrity, accountability, and respect, you will help foster a positive workplace culture while driving continuous improvement and outstanding results across the operation.

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you have at least 3 years of supervising employees?

Experience:

dairy herd: 3 years (Required)

Language:

Spanish (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Gobles, MI 49055 (Required)

Work Location:

In person