Dairy Production farm hand

APPLICANTS MUST BE CURRENTLY RESIDING IN AUSTRALIA TO BE CONSIDERED

Dairy Production/farm hand (fulltime) 

ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT

An exciting opportunity is available for an enthusiastic and reliable individual. Located Gunbower Victoria.

Cleelands Holdings are currently seeking a skilled Dairy Production/farmhand to become a valued member of our team. The role will be based on our home farm but will include rostered days working at our second neighbouring farm. 

We are a family run dairy farm that values animal welfare. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, contributing to the success of our thriving dairy operation.

Our home farm has a 40-bale rotary, auto cup removers, milk meters, drafting system and Allflex monitoring collars. 300 cow milking herd.  The second dairy is a newly refurbished 20 double up herringbone with feed system, milk meters, auto cup removers and stall gates and  Allflex monitoring collars. Pipe and riser irrigation.  250 cow milking herd at this farm. 

The applicant must possess a strong work ethic and the willingness to achieve a high standard in their work. We demand a positive attitude and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

About the role: 

The right applicant will work closely with the farm owners, building a relationship of trust to ensure smooth day to day on farm operations. The key focus area is herd health and milk production so a passion for the dairy industry is essential. 

Key responsibilities are:

Milk Harvesting:

• Milk harvesting to a high standard of quality, efficiency and yield.

• Identify and correct problems in the machine function and operation as they arise. 

• Identify and correct unsafe and unacceptable milking practices. 

• Maintain hygiene, cleanliness and presentability around dairy.

Animal Husbandry:

• Monitor for and identify animal health problems such as clinical mastitis, teat damage, lameness and other illnesses. Follow protocols for the treatment and recording of the condition.

• Assist veterinarian when required. Record all treatments to meet quality assurance requirements and farm policy. Follow farm guidelines for storage of appropriate levels of veterinary and animal husbandry supplies. 

• Administer drenches vaccines, mineral supplements and other appropriate animal husbandry. 

• Assist with mating program for cows and heifers. 

Feed Management and Delivery:

• Load and feed out conserved fodder using farm machinery either in paddock or on feed pad, hay feeders or troughs.

• Oversee the sourcing and reticulation of water to stock to meet their requirements.

Plant Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance:

• Implement the dairy maintenance schedule including replacement of rubber ware, routine machine testing and maintenance of equipment.

• Maintenance of fencing. 

Irrigation & Pasture growing:

• Some setup and monitoring of paddock flood irrigation using pipe and riser irrigation system.

• Some paddock work eg fertiliser spreading, hay cartage and spraying may be required as part of the role. 

Calf Rearing:

• Monitor for and observe calving cows who may need assistance.

• Identify and record newborn calves, ensure adequate colostrum intake and adhere to farm procedures for newborn calf management. Organise and prepare for the sale of bobby calves.

• Prepare and deliver milk and concentrates to reared calves. Observe and treat calves requiring medication. Manage calf groups through to weaning.

• Participate in cattle mustering, drafting, transport and application of herd ID program. Adhere to farm policy on handling and welfare of stock.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect cows from paddock to the dairy using machinery supplied and operate it within the farm guidelines. Set up paddocks for next grazing. 

• Check and start the milking system, milk cooling, refrigeration, washing and feed system. Cup up cows after attending to appropriate udder hygiene.

• At the completion of milking, follow the procedures for plant cleaning and the shutdown process. Prepare the dairy in readiness for the next milking according to the set guidelines.

• Follow OHS procedures.  

Suitable applicants should demonstrate:

Strong work ethic & attitude
You take pride in your work, show up ready to contribute each day, and are willing to go the extra mile when required. You understand the demands of dairy farming, including early starts, weekend work, and seasonal pressure periods.

Good communication skills
You can clearly communicate with team members and management, follow instructions accurately, and report issues (animal health, machinery faults, feed problems) in a timely manner. You contribute positively to a team environment.

Physical fitness & capability
You are physically capable of handling the demands of dairy work, including lifting, repetitive tasks, working on your feet for extended periods, and operating in varying weather conditions.

Dairy industry experience
You have practical, hands-on experience in dairy farming operations such as milking, animal handling, identifying health issues, and general farm duties. You understand the importance of safety, routine, hygiene, and efficiency in the dairy.

Driver’s licence
You hold a current and valid driver’s licence and are confident operating farm vehicles safely.

Initiative & problem solving
You can work unsupervised when required, identify tasks that need doing, and take action without being prompted. You are practical and solution-focused when issues arise.

Reliability & punctuality
You are dependable, consistently arrive on time, and can be trusted to complete tasks to a high standard without supervision.

Attention to detail
You notice small issues before they become big problems—whether it’s animal health, equipment faults, or feed consistency—and act accordingly.

Passion for dairy farming
You have a genuine interest in working with cows and being part of a progressive farming operation. You care about animal welfare and farm performance.

Machinery operation skills
You are experienced and confident operating machinery such as tractors, quad bikes, feed-out equipment, and other farm tools, with a strong focus on safety and maintenance.

Pasture & grazing knowledge
You understand pasture-based systems, including feed allocation, paddock rotation, and maintaining pasture quality. You can assist with implementing and managing rotational grazing plans.

This role is offered on a full-time ongoing basis.

If you're excited about the prospect of joining our team and contributing to the success of our farm, we encourage you to apply now.

Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter with a minimum of 2 employment references. 

We are happy to mentor an enthusiastic and motivated person should they not meet some of the criteria.