Dairy Farm Milker

Under general supervision, assumes the responsibility of machine and/or hand milking cows at prescribed milking times.  Position is responsible for the proper storage and cooling of milk, care of equipment and facilities, cow care, and other farm related activities as assigned.

• Follow all farm protocols for proper milking to obtain the best care for our cows
• Assembles milking equipment and connections to bulk tank.
• At the prescribed starting time, prepares and milks cows in a timely manner.
• Cools and stores milk in accordance with established procedures.
• Exercises special care in observing, recording, and reporting abnormal milk udder and teat injuries.
• Administers and applies medication as directed.
• Rigorously exclude contaminated milk from sale for human consumption.
• Follows approved sanitation, preparation, and clean-up procedures for cows, equipment, and facilities.
• Requests new supplies as needed.
• Monitors equipment involved with the entire milking process.
  • This may include but is not limited to such items as vacuum pump, pulsators, milk cooling condensers.
• Observes, reports, and/or attends to those cows exhibiting estrus, marked declines in daily milk production, failure to let down milk, illness, injury, or other deviations from normal behavior and well-being.
• Performs routine maintenance chores as requested
• Cooperates with official testing supervisors to ensure accurate sampling and recording of test day production.
• Performs other chores associated with pre and post-milking time such as cleaning stalls and parlor, feeding, checking water devices, attending to sick cows, or attending to cows about to calve.
• Responsible for the smooth functioning of the animal enterprise during the milking hours when other personnel may not be on hand.

• Demonstrate a general knowledge of farm labor, equipment/machinery, and livestock.
• Good work ethic and attitude.
• Have reliable transportation to be on time and ready to work

• Previous milking experience specifically with dairy cattle

High School graduate preferred

• Knowledge of approved sanitization procedures for cows, equipment and facilities.
• Knowledge of cow diseases, their symptoms, and treatments.
• Skill in milking procedures and dairy animal care.
• Ability to lift or transport 50 pounds and to stand on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to withstand noise, dust, odors, fumes, temperature, and climate extremes.
• Ability to cooperate with coworkers in all details contributing to the milking and dairy operation.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Helpful job skills include active listening, ability to work without supervision, good critical thinking skills, knowledge of farming, good communication skills, and ability to problem-solve.