Area Manager

Upstate Niagara Cooperative; City of Batavia (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative in Batavia, NY seeks an Area Manager to strengthen relationships with member dairy farms and advance farm excellence through programs focused on animal care, milk quality, and environmental stewardship.

The role balances farm visits, regulatory responsibilities, and program administration, with 50-75% time in the field. Strong communication and travel willingness are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field; plus two years of dairy industry experience; or six years of equivalent dairy industry experience.
• Knowledge of dairy farm operations, cattle care, and milk quality principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with member dairy producers.
• Conduct FARM Program Animal Care evaluations and support continuous improvement efforts on member farms.
• Assist farms with environmental stewardship programs, including FARM ES and COOL Farm Tool assessments.
• Support worker care initiatives and workforce development programs.
• Conduct milk quality inspections and assist farms in meeting regulatory and quality standards.
• Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to address challenges and promote best practices.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing industry training.

Skills

Knowledge of dairy farm operations

Cattle care

Milk quality principles

Strong communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science/Animal Science/Agriculture or related field

2 years dairy industry experience or 6 years equivalent

Job description

Membership Division (UNC)
Batavia, NY 14020, USA

Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Position Summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative is seeking an Area Manager to support and strengthen relationships with member dairy farms across the region. This position plays a key role in advancing farm excellence through programs focused on animal care, milk quality, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.

The ideal candidate is passionate about the dairy industry, enjoys working directly with producers, and can effectively balance farm visits, regulatory responsibilities, and program administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with member dairy producers.
• Conduct FARM Program Animal Care evaluations and support continuous improvement efforts on member farms.
• Assist farms with environmental stewardship programs, including FARM ES and COOL Farm Tool assessments.
• Support worker care initiatives and workforce development programs.
• Conduct milk quality inspections and assist farms in meeting regulatory and quality standards.
• Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to address challenges and promote best practices.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing industry training.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field, plus two years of dairy industry experience; or six years of equivalent dairy industry experience.
• Knowledge of dairy farm operations, cattle care, and milk quality principles.
• Valid New York State driver's license.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory.

Preferred

• FARM Program Animal Care Evaluator Certification.
• Certified Milk Inspector (CMI) License.
• Experience with environmental stewardship programs and sustainability initiatives within agriculture.
• Combination of field and office work, with approximately 50-75% of time spent on farms.
• Primarily based in Batavia, NY.
• Limited overnight travel required.

Pay: $72,200-$100,500/yr.*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.