2IC Wanted in Ireland

Ag Assist; Ireland; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Leave and holidays

Job summary

Ag Assist is seeking a capable 2IC for a spring calving, grass-based dairy system in the midlands of Ireland. The role covers milking, herd management and breeding across a large operational farm with modern facilities and a shared labour arrangement in spring.

You will work with a small team to ensure animal welfare, hygiene, and accurate record keeping while supporting grassland management and breeding programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in dairy herd management and milking.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during calving.
• Valid Driver's Licence and Work Permit/Visa.

Responsibilities

• Milking and milking hygiene, mastitis detection, SCC monitoring and control.
• Animal health and welfare, stockmanship, hoof trimming and early issue detection.
• Record keeping for lameness, mastitis and metritis; regular grassland management and pasture allocation.
• Breeding programme implementation using sexed semen to achieve high calving rates; team collaboration.

Job description

Description 2IC required for a spring calving grass-based system based in the midlands of Ireland due to continued growth. The Farm 180 ha with 50 ha of support ground for silage. Modern facilities with 40 herringbone parlour with cup removers/acrs, 535 cubicles and a brand new calving shed. Calf facilities for every calf born on the farm with all replacements reared on a 60 ha outfarm. New paddock, water and roadways installed in the last 2 years. 40% of the farm has high levels of clover. Mixed soil type with flood plain, peaty and gravel type soils all present on the farm so ideal for drought and wet conditions. 2nd Unit in operation close by with labour shared in spring and all cows calved in the one yard. The Herd Crossbred herd calving 85% + in 6 weeks with an 6-8% empty rate after 11 weeks. EBI is €166 with all the herd and youngstock genotyped. Herd achieved 470kgs of milk solids in 2025. Grass is measured regularly with 40 measurements done a year. Censortec Collars are fitted on the cows with all AI being used with a local technician. Sexed semen is used on the top performing cows and those of high genetic merit. High DBI selective used otherwise. The Role Milking and Milking Hygiene - Mastitis detection, SCC monitoring and control. Animal Health and Welfare - Stockmanship skills, Hoof trimming, early detection of potential issues, respect and care for the animals we work with. Record Keeping - Lameness, mastitis and metritis recording. Keeping records up to date. Grassland Management and Allocation - Regular measurement and management of pasture Breeding - Implement breeding programme with the use of sexed semen to achieve 90% 6 week calving rate and low empty rates. Staff Management - Fit into a team of people, be an active and engaging team member General Farm Maintenance - Fencing, plumbing, land development The Work Environment We operate a 5/2 roster in the spring and switch to 1 weekend in 3 or 10 in 4 once the bulk of the calving is finished. You will be required to do one-two evening checks a week during calving from 5 until 10pm with night calvers starting from 10pm and finishing at 5am. Milking roster set up with one milking done per day (either morning or evening) except for weekends. There are 4 full time people working with us along with part time and seasonal help. Roles are clearly defined and adhered to. The day typically starts at 7am and finishes at 5pm and we try keep these hours as much as possible even in the spring. Cows are fully dried off around the middle of December and calve the 1st of February with extra time given off over Christmas. Canteen and kitchen provided along with work wear. Breakfast is provided each day. We encourage playing sport and/or hobbies and will be flexible with time off and milkings in order to suit time off farm. Pay Package Pay is based on experience and responsibilty. Extra hours worked are given as extra holidays. 20 days leave along with bank holidays. Accommodation is available close to the farm. The Person Enthusiastic with a love for the outdoors and working with animals. A willingness to learn and adapt to new ideas and opportunities. Someone who will work well in a team and be a good team member. There will be plenty of learning opportunities with this role and an opportunity to develop and grow. We would really like to work with someone that we can help with their goals and ambitions We encourage playing sport and/or hobbies and will be flexible with time off and milkings in order to suit time off farm. There are local rugby, tennis, golf, soccer and gaelic clubs in the vicinity with a small local town only 5 mins away and a larger town 10 mins away. The farm is based in the middle of Ireland and within short driving distance of Dublin (2hrs), Cork (2hrs), Limerick (1hr) and Galway (1hr30) so it’s a great opportunity to see plenty of Ireland and what it has to offer. Learning opportunities are encouraged with paid courses, discussion groups, travel and conferences. The team is a mixture of youth and experience which will provide plenty of opportunities to learn new skills. Whoever applies needs to have a willingness to learn, to have fun, take pride in their work and be willing to contribute to our team culture. This role may suit someone who wants to work and travel or a couple who are looking for a change of scenery. We are more than happy to help with visa's such are working holiday or other. We really value good people in our family run farm and welcome any queries or questions that you have about the role, the area or the farm itself Specific Requirements: Drivers License and Work Permit/Visa