Experienced Dairy Farm Assistant – 2IC

FRS Farm Relief Services; Munster; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary 35k-40k DOE

Growth into senior operational role

Modern facilities and equipment

Supportive team culture

Job summary

FRS Farm Relief Services on behalf of a Roscrea-area dairy enterprise is seeking a full-time Dairy Farm Worker. The role focuses on milking support, herd health, calf rearing, grassland management, and seasonal breeding, with opportunities to lead in the absence of the Farm Manager.

This is a spring-calving, pasture-based system offering a competitive salary and structured daily routines in a modern, supportive farm environment.

Qualifications

• Dairy farming or livestock handling experience required.
• Knowledge of calf rearing, breeding and animal health protocols.
• Grassland management and pasture-based systems knowledge.
• Ability to work independently and take instruction as needed.

Responsibilities

• Dairy Herd Management: assist with milking, herd health monitoring, herd protocols.
• Animal Health & Welfare: monitor health, routine treatments, vaccinations, calving care.
• Calf Rearing: feed, monitor, and care for calves from birth to weaning.
• Grassland Management: grazing plans, paddock management, silage quality.
• Breeding: heat detection, AI, record keeping, seasonal breeding programs.
• Machinery & Yard Work: operate machinery including loader work and feeding systems.
• Team Leadership: act as 2IC to Farm Manager in their absence.
• General Farm Duties: hygiene, safety, animal welfare.
• Self-Motivation: work on own initiative and take instruction as required.

Skills

Dairy farming

Livestock handling

Calf rearing

Grassland management

Machinery operation

Team leadership

Self-motivation

Job description

Job Title: Dairy Farm Worker
Location: General Roscrea Area
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: €35,000-€40,000 DOE (based on minimum hours worked per week)

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a progressive, large-scale dairy enterprise in the Roscrea region. The farm operates a modern, high-efficiency spring-calving Irish dairy system and is seeking a Full-Time Dairy Farm Worker.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in a structured, supportive environment, with opportunities for upskilling in all aspects of modern dairy farming.

Key Responsibilities

• Dairy Herd Management: Assist with milking, herd health monitoring, and implementation of herd protocols.
• Animal Health & Welfare: Monitor animal health, administer routine treatments, assist with vaccinations, calving care, and ongoing health programs.
• Calf Rearing: Feed, monitor, and care for calves from birth through weaning, ensuring optimal growth and health.
• Grassland Management: Implement grazing plans, manage paddocks, perform topping, silage management, and monitor grass quality to maximise milk production.
• Breeding: Assist with heat detection, artificial insemination, record keeping, and seasonal breeding programs.
• Machinery & Yard Work: Operate modern farm machinery including loader work, feeding systems, and general yard duties.
• Team Leadership: Act as 2IC, supporting the Farm Manager in daily operations and taking responsibility in their absence.
• General Farm Duties: Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and animal welfare across the farm.
• Self-Motivation: Must be able to work on own initiative, while also taking instruction as required to ensure smooth running of the farm.

Working Hours

• Start: 6:45am
• Breaks: 2-2.5 hours (varies by day)
• Finish: Approximately 5:00pm
• Weekend work:
• May be required as needed to support herd and farm operations
• Rota and workload adjusted seasonally to reflect spring-calving demands

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience in dairy farming or livestock handling.
• Understanding of calf rearing, breeding, and animal health protocols.
• Knowledge of grassland management and pasture-based systems.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and also take instruction when needed.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to animal welfare.

Desirable:

• Experience within a spring-calving grass-based system.
• Machinery operation skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Upskilling and training opportunities will be provided for the right candidate.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: €35,000-€40,000 DOE (based on minimum hours worked per week)
• Opportunity to grow into a senior operational role
• Modern working environment with excellent facilities
• Supportive team culture and structured daily routine

No accommodation provided with this role.