Calf Rearer

**Job Title: Calf Rearer**

**Location**: Rochester, Northern Victoria

**Company**: Riversdale Dairy

**About Us**: Riversdale Dairy is a family-run farming business located in Rochester, Northern Victoria. We pride ourselves on our modern farming practices, including the recent installation of a state-of-the-art robotic calf-rearing facility. Our commitment to innovation and animal welfare sets us apart in the dairy industry. Join our dedicated team and be part of a forward-thinking, supportive, and close-knit farming community.

**Job Overview**: The Calf Rearer will be responsible for rearing all calves and youngstock born at Riversdale Dairy, managing calves aged 3 to 6 months prior to feedlot entry. This includes replacement Holstein heifers, wagyu, and beef stock. The role emphasizes the husbandry and welfare of calves and youngstock, adhering to Riversdale protocols and standard codes of accepted farming practice.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Ensure all activities related to the rearing and welfare of young stock and beef animals are carried out to the highest standards.
- Conduct feeding, bedding, mucking out, cleaning of equipment, vaccinating, and coordinating the sale of surplus calves.
- Provide high levels of stockmanship with a strong emphasis on animal welfare.
- Identify sick animals and ensure prompt treatment.
- Maintain accurate records, such as colostrum management, medicine usage, and calf health.
- Perform routine elementary maintenance/servicing of robotic calf feeding equipment, fencing, and machinery.
- Report breakages and major maintenance requirements promptly.
- Order feed, medicines, and everyday miscellaneous goods in a timely manner.
- Comply with all legislation and ensure safe farm-based activities.
- Assist with other farm work, including milking in the dairy and general farm duties during slower periods.

**Supervision Received**: The Calf Rearer will be supervised by the Calf Team Manager.

**Contact**: Regular communication with the farm team to ensure excellent colostrum management and correct penning of new arrivals.

**Terms and Conditions**:

- Expected to work every other weekend.
- Work hours necessary to meet the needs of the post effectively.
- No annual leave during calving periods (late February to end of May and mid-August until mid-November).
- Weekly roster based around a 5 on 2 off for all permanent staff.
- Base salary starting at $32.00 per hour based on a 40-hour week.
- Fortnightly pay into a nominated account.
- Expected work hours are 8 am to 5 pm.
- Current drivers licence and own reliable transport.

**Skills Required - Essential**:

- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to use computers and handheld devices.
- Effective organization of the working day with limited supervision.
- Initiative and good communication skills.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

**Skills Required - Desirable**:

- Demonstrated good level of stockmanship.
- Previous experience working with newborn calves and dairy cows.
- Some machinery experience with small tractors, RTV, and wheeled loaders.

Applications will close 22nd January 2025 with the role to commence from 24th February 2025

Pay: $32.00 - $34.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Public holidays
- Weekend availability

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 22/01/2025
Expected Start Date: 24/02/2025