In late 2012, the Blakesville Dairy Farm owners acquired an active 300 head cow dairy operation located in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The farm was converted to the current goat farm with the primary purpose of producing quality goat milk using sustainable farming practices. Today, we are approaching peak milk production at our facility, milking approximately 1100 goats. Our herd of mostly Saanen and Alpine goats is made up of strong DNA lineage and is managed to achieve the highest standards in genetics. Our primary goal is to humanely raise healthy, happy goats that produce the highest quality milk.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Assistant Farm Manager position will work across all general operations at Blakesville Dairy Farm to provide the highest possible care for our goats and our farm. The job will focus on the health and well-being of the goat herd, milking and kidding animals, and maintaining field, machine, and building operations including equipment operation and maintenance. Ideally, the specialist is capable in all aspects and able to effectively job-share across all responsibilities. Specific job responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring and logging general health of herd on a daily basis
• Assist with vaccinations and other medical procedures
• Assist with breeding, prenatal goat care, and kidding
• Hoof trimming and logging
• Identify sick animals and work with Herd Manager and/or vet to develop a health plan
• Artificial insemination
• Milking and milking parlor operations
• Skid steer and tractor operation
• Assist with general field work (infrequent)
• Restocking/moving hay bales
• Occasional building maintenance
• Machine operations, repair, and maintenance of farm vehicles, implement, and equipment
• Assist with milking operations and cleaning of the milking parlor when needed to support other farm workers

Qualifications

• At least 2 years experience working with livestock (goats preferred)
• Experience milking animals with adherence to food safety protocol
• Experience with artificial insemination is helpful
• Experience with building maintenance is helpful
• Weekend and holiday work is required
• Ability to lift/move water buckets, hay bales, and other heavy objects - up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, year-round
• Must be able to engage in physically active work every day
• Ability to work both independently and with other co-workers
• Sound judgment and commitment to sustainable farm values
• Must be reliable and committed to hard work
• Bi-lingual is strongly preferred (Spanish and English)

Location

• Port Washington, WI

Hours

• Full-time (40-50 hours/week)
• Schedule to be coordinated with General Manager

Compensation & Benefits

• • Salaried; $45,000 - $60,000 annually
  • 2 weeks paid vacation plus sick days 
  • 401K with 5% employer matching contribution 
  • Health & dental insurance with 50% employer contribution