Seasonal Dairy Operations Associate

Position Overview

Wolfe's Neck Center is seeking a Seasonal Dairy Operations Associate for the 2026 production season (June 1–December 31). This role is a hands-on position focused on milking, livestock care, and daily farm operations within our organic, pasture-based dairy system.

The Assistant will work closely with the Dairy Manager to support a herd of 30–40 cows, ensuring high standards of animal care, milk quality, and farm upkeep. While occasional field and infrastructure work may be required, this role is primarily centered on milking routines, animal handling, and essential daily chores.

This is a full-time, non-benefited seasonal position, compensated at $20-$25, with 40–50 hours per week and some weekends and flexible scheduling required.

Key Responsibilities

• Milk cows in accordance with organic and state dairy standards
• Clean and maintain milking equipment, parlor, and associated facilities
• Perform daily livestock care, including feeding, health checks, and moving animals for grazing
• Safely and calmly handle livestock, with strong attention to animal behavior and well-being
• Support rotational grazing efforts, including moving fencing and checking water systems
• Assist with general farm chores and maintenance to ensure smooth daily operations
• Maintain accurate records related to herd health and milk production
• Communicate observations or concerns to farm management in a timely manner
• Occasionally assist with light infrastructure tasks such as fence maintenance

Candidate Qualities

We are seeking someone who is:

• Dependable, hardworking, and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Observant and responsive to animal health and behavior
• Willing to perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions
• Flexible with scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, and some weekends
• Interested in agriculture and eager to build hands-on dairy experience

Qualifications

• Experience with milking and/or livestock handling preferred (willing to train the right candidate)
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly and perform physical farm work
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable operating or learning to operate basic farm equipment
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Over 21 years of age (equipment insurance requirement)

Position Details

• Seasonal: June 1 – December 31
• Compensation: $20-25/hour (DOE)
• Schedule: 40–50 hours/week; may include 10–12 hour days and some weekends
• Guaranteed 40 hours/week from May 1 – November 1
• Non-benefited position

Additional Information

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.