Robotic Dairy Farm Assistant

FRS Farm Relief Services; Leinster; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

FRS Farm Relief Services in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, seeks a Dairy Farm Assistant to support calf rearing and daily farm tasks on a modern dairy operation featuring a Lely robotic milking system. You will work with calves, monitor health, handle tractors and machinery, and contribute to herd management and grassland maintenance.

Experience with slurry spreading and a strong work ethic are valued. The role offers a competitive salary based on experience and the chance to develop skills in robotic

Qualifications

• Experience in calf rearing is essential.
• Dairy farm experience preferred.
• Competent machinery operator including tractors.
• Experience with slurry spreading.
• Interest in robotic milking systems (Lely experience an advantage).
• Good stockmanship and welfare.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic and time management.
• Full clean driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Care and feeding of calves daily.
• Monitor calf health and growth; record data.
• Assist with operation of the Lely robotic milking system.
• Operate tractors and perform routine farm tasks.
• Slurry handling and grassland management.

Skills

Calf rearing experience

Stockmanship

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to animal welfare

Tools

Tractor operation

Machinery operation

Slurry spreading

Job description

Job Title: Dairy Farm Assistant - Lely Robotic Dairy Farm
Location: Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Job Type: Full-Time | Part-time

About the Farm

Our client is a modern, progressive dairy farm located in the Portlaoise area, operating a Lely robotic milking system. The main focus is on herd performance, calf health, grassland management, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare through technology-driven farming.

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Dairy Farm Assistant to join our team, with a strong focus on calf rearing, general farm work, and machinery operation.

Key Responsibilities

Calf Rearing (Primary Focus)

• Daily care and feeding of calves (milk/milk replacer, concentrates, water)
• Monitoring calf health and identifying illness early
• Administering vaccinations and treatments as required
• Maintaining clean, dry, and well-bedded calf housing
• Record keeping and growth monitoring
• Ensuring high welfare and hygiene standards at all times

Robotic Dairy Support

• Assisting with management of Lely robotic milking system
• Fetching cows and monitoring cow traffic when required
• Observing herd health and reporting issues promptly
• Supporting breeding and herd management tasks

Machinery & General Farm Work

• Operating tractors and machinery safely and competently
• Feeding stock using diet feeders or machinery
• Bedding, scraping, and yard maintenance
• Slurry handling and spreading (experience essential)
• Grassland management tasks (fencing, paddock setup, topping)
• General farm repairs and maintenance

Candidate Requirements

• Experience in calf rearing essential
• Previous dairy farm experience preferred
• Competent machinery operator (tractor work required)
• Experience with slurry spreading
• Interest in or experience with robotic milking systems (Lely experience an advantage)
• Good stockmanship and attention to animal welfare
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic and good time management
• Full clean driver's licence preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Modern robotic dairy environment
• Opportunity to develop skills in precision and robotic farming
• Supportive and progressive working environment

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking someone practical, dependable, and proactive, with a genuine interest in calf performance and modern dairy systems. The right person will take pride in their work, maintain high standards, and contribute positively to a forward-thinking farm operation.