Night Calving Operator – Temporary

FRS Farm Relief Services; Ireland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive Irish dairy farm is seeking a dependable Night Calving Operator for the busy calving period. You will work night shifts, ensuring the safe delivery of calves and care for cows. The ideal candidate has proven experience in calving, excellent attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Support from the farm owner will be provided. This role offers competitive pay based on experience.

Benefits

Onsite break room with monitoring cameras

Support from farm management

Qualifications

• Proven experience working on a spring-calving Irish dairy farm.
• Confident assisting difficult calvings and tubing calves when needed.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness or distress in cows and calves.

Responsibilities

• Monitor cows overnight in the calving shed and assist with calvings when required.
• Administer colostrum to newborn calves promptly.
• Tag and move calves safely to individual pens and maintain records.

Skills

Experience with calving cows

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Operating farm machinery

Education

Full clean driving license

Job description

Job Details

• Job Title: Night Calving Operator
• Location: Ballacolla, Co. Laois
• Job Type: Seasonal / Night Shifts (Spring Calving Season)
• Start Date: 1st February 2026
• Duration: Approx. 8 weeks (peak calving season)
• Reporting To: Farm Owner / Herd Manager

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced and dependable Night Calving Operator to join our team for the busy calving period on a progressive Irish dairy farm. The role involves working night shifts during the peak of spring calving, ensuring the safe delivery of calves, proper post‑calving care of cows, and smooth preparation for the morning milking. This is a key role requiring a strong eye for detail, experience in calving cows, and the ability to work independently. A break room is available onsite with access to camera feeds monitoring the calving sheds.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor cows overnight in the calving shed and assist with calvings when required
• Administer colostrum to newborn calves promptly (via stomach tube as required or by bottle)
• Tag and move calves safely to individual pens and maintain calf records
• Prepare and maintain clean bedding in calf and calving areas
• Feed and care for young calves during shift (milk, electrolytes, etc.)
• Draft and prepare freshly calved cows for the morning milking
• Identify cows requiring post‑calving treatment (e.g. milk fever, retained cleanings)
• Communicate effectively with day staff for handovers and vet treatments
• Operate a loader for feeding and bedding tasks
• Drive short distances between yards (all on local roads within short drive of each other)

What We’re Looking For

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• Proven experience working on a spring‑calving Irish dairy farm
• Confident assisting difficult calvings and tubing calves when needed
• Ability to recognize signs of illness or distress in cows and calves
• Comfortable operating farm machinery, especially a loader
• Full clean driving licence essential
• Reliable, responsible, and able to work independently during night hours
• Good communication skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to high standards of animal welfare and hygiene

Additional Information

• Onsite break room with calving cameras of calving shed for monitoring during quiet periods
• Support from the farm owner and herd manager available if needed overnight
• Competitive hourly pay or shift rate based on experience