Assistant Dairy Manager

Wolfe's Neck Center; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Six sick days

Maine state holidays off

Retirement savings plan

Communal housing

Job summary

Wolfe's Neck Center in Freeport, Maine is seeking an Assistant Dairy Manager to support daily operations of the organic, pasture-based dairy and livestock systems. Reporting to the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program, you will lead milking, herd health, grazing, and staff training.

The role emphasizes mentoring apprentices, coordinating schedules, ensuring safety, and maintaining records to meet organic standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in organic and/or pasture-based livestock operations; Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (Journey status) is a plus.
• Commercial dairy experience preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in operating farm machinery.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work in a range of weather conditions, and work extended daily/weekly hours during the high season

Responsibilities

• Support daily dairy operations: herd care, milking, feeding, and animal handling.
• Assist with grazing management and rotational grazing plans for dairy and livestock.
• Monitor herd health and assist with treatment protocols with the Senior Manager and veterinarian.
• Lead dairy staff, apprentices, and coordinate scheduling and training.
• Maintain accurate records for herd health, production, and compliance.

Skills

Dairy herd management

Team leadership

Animal health monitoring

Milking operations

Machinery operation

Communication skills

Tools

Tractors & farm equipment

Job description

Reports To: Dairy Manager

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Department: Programs

Location: On-site – Freeport, Maine

Position Description: Assistant Dairy Manager

About Wolfe's Neck Center

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) is a fast-growing, national nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research, and collaborations, Wolfe's Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own farm, regionally, and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

In 2015, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Stonyfield Organic, WNC launched its Organic Dairy Research and Training Program, which was the first of its kind in the nation. This innovative program serves as a testing ground for new management technologies and techniques, while also training the next generation of farmers in rotational grazing and regenerative and organic agricultural systems. WNC's program is part of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA), an accredited National Apprenticeship registered with the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. The program consists of 4,000 hours of training over a period of two years, with 3,712 hours focused on employment and mentoring under an approved Mentor Dairy Grazier. At its core, the program is a guided pathway to dairy grazing farming careers.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program, the Assistant Dairy manager supports the daily management and operations of Wolfe's neck Center organic, pasture-based dairy and livestock systems. This position plays a critical role in maintaining herd health, milk quality, grazing management, farm operations, and the success of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program.

The Assistant Dairy Manager provides hands-on leadership for daily dairy activities, including herd health, milking operations, pasture managed, and staff and apprentice training and coordination. This position works closely with the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program and the broader Farming Operations team to ensure safe, efficient, and supportive practices that align with WNC's mission and organizational goals.

The ideal candidate is a skilled dairy professional who enjoys working with people, mentoring the next generation of farmers, and contributing to a collaborative learning-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Dairy Herd, Animal Health & Milk Production

• Support daily operations of the organic dairy and cattle enterprises, including herd care, milking, feeding, and animal handling
• Assist with grazing management and implementation of rotational grazing plans for the milking herd and livestock
• Monitor herd health, identify animal health concerns, and assist with treatment protocols in coordination with the Senior Manager and veterinarian
• Support breeding, reproductive management, calving, and replacement planning activities
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare, calf care, and stockmanship
• Monitor milk production, milk quality, and herd performance
• Support consistent implementation of milking procedures, sanitation protocols, and quality standards
• Maintain accurate herd health, production, and operational records

Dairy Operations & Farm Management

• Help coordinate daily dairy operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive workflows
• Assist with feeding programs, ration implementation, and feed inventory management
• Support pasture, forage, and land management activities
• Assist with maintenance and upkeep of dairy infrastructure, including the milking parlor, barns, fencing, equipment, and facilities
• Safely operate tractors, skid steers, and other farm equipment as needed
• Support farm purchasing, inventory management, and operational planning
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, animal care, and sustainability

Team Leadership, Training & Apprenticeship Support

• Provide daily leadership and guidance to dairy staff, seasonal employees, interns, and apprentices
• Support scheduling, task coordination, and communication within the dairy team
• Assist with training and mentoring Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship participants through hands-on learning opportunities
• Teach and demonstrate best practices in grazing management, herd health, milking, animal handling, and farm operations
• Promote a positive, respectful, safety-focused, and collaborative workplace culture
• Support the development of technical skills and leadership abilities among team members

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program to implement dairy goals and priorities
• Collaborate with Farming Operations staff on equipment, infrastructure, land management, and farm projects
• Support on-farm research, demonstration projects, and educational programming
• Participate in farm tours, workshops, pasture walks, and farmer training activities as needed
• Represent Wolfe's Neck Center at regional dairy, grazing, and agricultural events when appropriate

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate records related to herd health, milk production, breeding, feed, grazing, and organic compliance
• Support USDA Organic certification requirements and farm audits
• Follow workplace safety standards, animal welfare protocols, and environmental regulations
• Assist with maintaining compliance documentation and operational records

Other information

• Work a variable schedule that includes weekends, occasional long days, and participation in emergency situations. Scheduling expectations are as follows:
  • Variable weekly hours (35-50) depending on seasonal workload
  • Five scheduled shifts per week (five days working, two consecutive days off every week)
  • One weekend day off per week (Saturday or Sunday)
  • Split coverage/time off for holidays with the Senior Dairy Manager

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in organic and/or pasture-based livestock operations; completion of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program (Journey status) is a plus.
• Commercial dairy experience preferred but not required
• Proficiency in operating farm machinery and equipment (e.g., tractors, haying equipment, skid steer).
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; enthusiastic, engaging, and comfortable working with the public.
• Strong organizational abilities, including time management, planning, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Comfortable working independently with high levels of autonomy, and adaptable to the needs of a dynamic nonprofit farm.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work in a range of weather conditions, and work extended daily/weekly hours during the high season

Opportunities for professional development

• Continuing education and networking through local and regional events
• Opportunity to attend training and courses
• Teaching and mentorship of pre-apprentices and apprentices through daily work
• Pathways to becoming a manager

Other Requirements

• Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)

Compensation & Benefits

As a full-time employee of Wolfe's Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation and six sick days, Maine state holidays off, and our retirement savings plan. This position is also eligible for communal housing alongside other farm staff ($350/month). Compensation range commensurate with experience with a hourly pay between $24-$29.

Non-Discriminatory Selection Process

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe's Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.

American With Disabilities Statement

Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. This job description summarizes the primary duties and responsibilities of the role and may change as business needs evolve. It is not an employment contract and does not guarantee employment for any specific period; employment is at will, in accordance with applicable laws.