About the Opportunity

Our client is a long-established, multi-generation dairy and mixed-farming enterprise located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, near Finley and Deniliquin. The business operates a modern, high-performance dairy system focused on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable production.

Our client combines traditional family-farming values with contemporary management practices and technology integration. The property is equipped with advanced milking infrastructure, digital feed-management systems, and well-maintained livestock and pasture areas supporting efficient dairy operations year-round.

The Riverina region offers employees a unique opportunity to build a rewarding agricultural career within one of Australia’s most productive farming areas, supported by a friendly community, affordable living, and access to quality schools, healthcare, and local services.

Position Purpose

The Dairy Cattle Farm Worker / Milk Harvesting Operator plays a critical hands-on and supervisory role within the dairy operation. The position is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day management of milking routines, herd health, and calving programs, while ensuring high standards of hygiene, safety, and milk quality are consistently achieved.

Working under the guidance of the Farm Manager and Herd Manager, this role provides technical and operational support in milking, reproduction, livestock management, and maintenance, and involves training and mentoring less experienced farm staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Milk Harvesting and Production

·       Oversee and participate in daily milking operations, ensuring efficient, hygienic, and high-quality milk production.

·       Operate and maintain milking systems, plant, and associated dairy equipment to ensure maximum efficiency and hygiene compliance.

·       Monitor milk quality and production data, reporting irregularities or equipment faults promptly.

·       Supervise and support other milk-harvesting team members during shifts to maintain consistency and productivity.

·       Adhere to all hygiene, safety, and animal-welfare protocols during milking operations.

2. Animal Health and Welfare

·       Observe herd health daily, identifying and responding to common ailments, injuries, or abnormal behaviour.

·       Administer treatments under the direction of the Farm Manager or veterinarian.

·       Assist in reproductive programs including heat detection, artificial insemination (AI), and pregnancy testing.

·       Participate in calving and calf-rearing operations, ensuring neonatal care, hygiene, and correct identification procedures are followed.

·       Maintain accurate livestock health and treatment records in accordance with biosecurity and welfare regulations.

3. Feeding and Nutritional Support

·       Work collaboratively with feed and farm-handling staff to ensure correct ration delivery and nutrition management.

·       Monitor feeding equipment and silage storage areas to ensure safe and consistent feed quality.

·       Provide input to feeding schedules and assist with planning and execution of feeding programs.

4. Supervision, Training and Team Collaboration

·       Provide direction, mentoring, and on-the-job training for junior farmhands and seasonal workers.

·       Communicate clearly and constructively with management and team members to prioritise daily tasks.

·       Foster a cooperative and positive team culture that promotes safety, professionalism, and productivity.

5. Farm Maintenance and Machinery Operation

·       Operate and maintain tractors, pumps, and farm machinery as required to support dairy operations.

·       Conduct pre-start checks and preventative maintenance on equipment, reporting any faults or hazards.

·       Assist with maintenance of laneways, yards, fencing, and general property infrastructure.

·       Ensure that buildings, sheds, and surrounds are clean, tidy, and safe at all times.

6. Compliance and Workplace Safety

·       Follow all workplace health and safety (WHS) policies and standard operating procedures.

·       Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and encourage safe work practices among others.

·       Immediately report all accidents, hazards, or unsafe conditions to management.

·       Uphold all relevant quality assurance, animal welfare, and environmental standards including HACCP, Freshcare, and the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

·       Demonstrated hands-on experience in dairy or livestock farming (minimum three years preferred).

·       Competence in operating and maintaining dairy milking systems and associated machinery.

·       Sound understanding of animal husbandry, reproduction, and calf-rearing practices.

·       Proven leadership and communication skills, with ability to supervise and mentor others.

·       Practical problem-solving ability and a proactive approach to farm tasks.

·       High standards of personal conduct, reliability, and accountability.

·       Physically capable of performing manual tasks in outdoor conditions.

·       Commitment to safety, quality, and animal welfare excellence.

Qualifications and Licences

·       Certificate III or IV in Agriculture (Dairy Production, Livestock Production, or equivalent qualification) preferred.

·       Current Australian Driver’s Licence (essential).

·       Loader or tractor operation certification (desirable).

·       Willingness to undertake ongoing training and skill development.

Performance Expectations

·       Maintain high standards of milk quality, hygiene, and animal welfare.

·       Demonstrate initiative, reliability, and teamwork in all farm activities.

·       Ensure compliance with WHS and biosecurity requirements.

·       Uphold professionalism and represent the business positively at all times.

·       Support the farm’s values of sustainability, efficiency, and respect for livestock and people.

Working Conditions

·       Full-time, permanent employment averaging 38 hours per week.

·       Early morning, weekend, and public holiday rosters as part of normal dairy operation cycles.

·       Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

·       On-farm accommodation may be available to suitable candidates.

·       Regular performance and safety reviews conducted by management.

·       Strict zero-tolerance policy for drugs or alcohol in the workplace.

Living and Working in The Riverina, NSW

This region is Australia’s food bowl, so it’s little wonder The Riverina is marked by unforgettable tasting experiences. Follow a foodie trail, pluck an orange straight from the tree, talk to a winemaker about just how good the soil is, and taste artisan goodies from chocolate to olives. There are few better places to wind down, reconnect with the land and embrace the slow.

Learn more: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/riverina