Senior Manager of the Dairy Program

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Manager of the Dairy Program About Wolfe's Neck CenterWolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) is a fast-growing 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, Wolfe's Neck Center established its organic dairy program, which is part of the direct farm supply for Stonyfield Organic and 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. Wolfe's Neck Center also operates 3 acres of fruit and vegetable production, as well as several integrated small livestock systems. WNC's Dairy Program is part of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA), an accredited National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Position SummaryReporting to the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships and participating in WNC's Program Leadership Team, the Senior Manager of the Dairy Program is responsible for the overall management of Wolfe's Neck Center's organic dairy and cattle operations, ensuring herd health, milk quality, pasture productivity, and farm viability. The position also serves as the lead mentor and supervisor for the on-site Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program, helping train the next generation of grazing dairy farmers. This role will provide day-to-day leadership, coordination, and operational oversight for pasture-based dairy and livestock programs, working collaboratively with farm colleagues to advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Wolfe's Neck Center. This oversight helps to ensure efficient farm operations, strong team communication, high standards of animal care, and alignment with organizational priorities and regenerative agriculture practices. Key Responsibilities Dairy Herd, Animal Health & Milk ProductionOversee daily operations of the organic dairy and cattle enterprisesLead grazing and pasture management for the milking herd, including rotational grazing strategiesDevelop and implement grazing plans, feeding strategies, and animal nutrition programs in collaboration with nutritionists and farm staffManage all aspects of herd health, including preventative care, disease monitoring, treatment protocols, and coordination with veterinariansOversee breeding and reproductive programs, including heat detection, artificial insemination (AI), calving management, and replacement planningEnsure high standards of animal welfare, calf care, and nutritionMonitor milk production, milk quality, and herd performance to meet operational and production goalsSupervise milking procedures and protocols to ensure excellence in hygiene, animal care, milk quality, and operational efficiencyDairy Farm Operations & Resource ManagementDirect day-to-day farm operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive dairy and livestock systemsManage feed inventory, feeding schedules, and ration implementationOversee pasture, forage, and land management activities that support grazing-based dairy productionWork with the Farming Operations team to ensure proper maintenance, sanitation, and functionality of the milking parlor, barns, fencing, farm infrastructure, and equipmentOperate and oversee the safe use of farm machinery and equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related implementsManage purchasing, inventory, and farm inputs to support operational needsIdentify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and farm performance Team Leadership, Training & Workforce DevelopmentRecruit, hire, supervise, schedule, and mentor dairy staff and up to four DGA apprenticesLead the on-site DGA program and create meaningful hands-on learning opportunitiesDevelop technical skills, leadership capabilities, and career pathways for apprentices and farm staffEstablish clear expectations, provide ongoing coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and foster accountability for apprenticesBuild and maintain a positive, collaborative, safety-focused, and high-performing workplace cultureCollaborate with the Managing Director of Programs and the Farmer Training & Partnerships team to strengthen regional dairy workforce development structure and initiatives to expand the impact of the DGA program.Financial Management & AdministrationDevelop, manage, and monitor the Dairy Program budgetTrack and analyze production, financial, and operational performance against established targetsManage farm expenses, purchasing decisions, inventory control, and resource allocationWorking with the Farming Operations team where appropriate, maintain accurate records related to herd health, breeding, milk production, organic compliance, inventory, and farm operations using herd management software and other recordkeeping systemsPrepare reports and provide recommendations to support strategic programmatic and organizational decision-making and goalsPartnerships, Compliance & InnovationAlong with the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships, serve as a primary point of contact for dairy-related industry partners, service providers, and stakeholdersEnsure compliance with USDA Organic standards, animal welfare requirements, environmental regulations, workplace safety standards, and partner quality expectationsSupport organic certification processes, audits, inspections, and recordkeeping requirementsCollaborate with other WNC staff and external researchers, educational partners, and agricultural organizations to support on-farm dairy-related research, innovation, and demonstration projectsContribute to the advancement of regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices that support the organization's missionAlong with the Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships and other WNC staff, represent WNC at regional dairy, livestock, grazing, and farming-related conferences, meetings, and symposia. QualificationsRequired Experience6-8 years of dairy herd management, dairy operations leadership, or equivalent agricultural management experienceDemonstrated experience managing pasture-based and/or grazing dairy systemsExperience supervising employees, apprentices, interns, or farm teamsExperience developing and/or implementing dairy and/or livestock farmer training programsPreferred EducationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or a related fieldTechnical SkillsCalm and safe stockmanship when handling all animalsKeen detection, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic cattle health conditions in a timely mannerProven skills in management-intensive grazing on perennial pasture in dairy production systemsKnowledge of dairy herd health, reproduction, nutrition, grazing management, and milk production systemsExperience using herd management software and production recordkeeping systemsAbility to safely operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related implementsLeadership CompetenciesStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsEffective problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational abilitiesAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced agricultural environmentCommitment to mentorship, workforce development, animal welfare, safety, and continuous improvement Other RequirementsLegally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)BenefitsAs a full-time employee of Wolfe's Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, three weeks paid vacation and six sick days, Maine state holidays off, and our retirement savings plan. Compensation commensurate with experience: $70,000 - $80,000. This is a residential position and on-site housing is provided at 50% market rate. To ApplyPlease visit our current list of job openings at click on the applicable position, and apply via the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by July 17th.Non-Discriminatory Selection ProcessWolfe'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. Americans with Disabilities ActApplicants 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.