Dairy Farm Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)
Rockfield Dairy, Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Rockfield Dairy is a commercial dairy enterprise producing milk for the manufacture of premium yoghurts and cheeses for the Irish and export markets. We operate a milking parlour on a twice-daily cycle and supply milk to processing on a year-round basis.
We are seeking an experienced Dairy Farm Assistant to join our production team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is a hands-on dairy role centred on milking, milk quality and herd management, suited to someone with genuine commercial dairy experience who wants a long-term position with an established and expanding business.
Main Duties
Operating the milking parlour on a twice-daily milking routine, including bringing in, milking out and returning the dairy flock.
Parlour hygiene, plant wash-down, cluster maintenance and adherence to milking routine protocols.
Milk quality management, including bulk tank monitoring, milk temperature control, somatic cell count and TBC awareness, and immediate escalation of quality issues.
Recording daily milk yields and maintaining accurate milk production and animal health records.
Monitoring animal health and welfare across the milking flock, including early detection and treatment of mastitis, lameness and metabolic conditions.
Administering routine animal health treatments and preventative programmes in accordance with farm protocols and veterinary direction.
Feeding and nutrition management to support milk yield and body condition.
Managing the reproductive cycle of the dairy flock, including breeding, pre-lambing preparation, lambing and care of newborn stock during the seasonal peak.
Grassland and grazing management to support milk production, including paddock rotation and grass measurement.
General farm maintenance, machinery care, biosecurity and yard hygiene.
Any other duties reasonably required in the day-to-day operation of a commercial dairy enterprise.
Essential Requirements
Minimum two years’ experience working in a commercial dairy enterprise.
Practical experience operating a milking parlour, including milking routine, parlour hygiene and milk quality control.
Competence in animal handling, herd health monitoring and routine animal health treatments.
Full driving licence.
Good spoken English.
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
Willingness to work weekends and flexible hours during the seasonal peak, particularly during lambing.
Desirable
Experience in a sheep dairy enterprise.
Milking machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
Artificial insemination or breeding programme experience.
Grassland measurement and rotational grazing experience.
Employment Details
Permanent, full-time position.
Normal working week of 39 hours, with additional hours required during seasonal peaks, in accordance with Irish employment legislation.
Salary: €36,605 to €42,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
Location: Knock, Co. Mayo.
Assistance with accommodation may be available, or a housing contribution may be offered, subject to agreement.
Why Join Rockfield Dairy
Work with one of Ireland’s leading specialist dairy enterprises.
Join a progressive, expanding family business supplying premium product to Irish and export markets.
Develop skills across modern dairy production, milk quality management and livestock husbandry.
Pay: €36,605.00-€42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
