Senior Dairy Farm Assistant (2ic)

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Birr Area, Co. Offaly
€35,000–€40,000 DOE | Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a progressive, large-scale dairy farm in the Birr area operating a modern, high-efficiency spring-calving, grass-based Irish dairy system with a 300+ cow herd.

This is a Senior Dairy Farm Assistant (2IC) position, offering genuine responsibility and involvement in the day-to-day running of the farm. You will work closely with the Farm Manager and take charge of operations in their absence. This role suits an experienced dairy worker looking to step up, develop leadership skills, and progress toward a senior or farm management role.

Key Responsibilities

• Milking & Daily Operations: Participate in milking routines and ensure smooth daily dairy operations.
• Herd Health & Welfare: Monitor animal health, assist with calving, administer routine treatments, vaccinations, and follow herd health protocols.
• Calf Rearing: Care for calves from birth to weaning, ensuring high standards of nutrition, growth, and welfare.
• Breeding Programme: Assist with heat detection, AI, and breeding records within a seasonal spring-calving system.
• Grassland Management: Support grazing plans, paddock management, topping, silage operations, and grass monitoring.
• Machinery & Yard Work: Operate modern machinery including tractor and loader work, feeding systems, and general yard duties.
• 2IC Responsibilities: Act as second-in-command, supporting the Farm Manager and taking responsibility when required.
• Farm Standards: Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and animal welfare at all times.

Working Hours & Rota

• Typical day: 6:45am – approx. 5:00pm
• 2–2.5 hour break during the day (varies by season)
• Workload and hours adjusted seasonally to reflect spring-calving demands
• Weekend work on a structured rota (details discussed at interview)
• Average annual hours balanced across the year

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in dairy farm work
• Experience with milking, calving, calf rearing, and animal health routines
• Understanding of grass-based, pasture-driven dairy systems
• Ability to work independently and follow farm protocols
• Strong work ethic and commitment to animal welfare
• Tractor licence required

Desirable:

• Experience in an Irish spring-calving system
• Machinery operation experience
• Interest in developing leadership and management skills

Training and upskilling will be provided for the right candidate.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary: €35,000–€40,000 DOE (based on minimum hours worked per week)
• Clear progression toward senior operational roles
• Modern facilities and well-organised systems
• Supportive team environment with structured routines
• Sick pay and on-site parking

Please note: accommodation is not provided with this role.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €35,000.00-€40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Birr, CO. Offaly: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• machinery: 4 years (preferred)
• milking: 4 years (required)
• dairy farm work: 4 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• tractor licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Location:

• Birr, CO. Offaly (preferred)

Work Location: In person