Aurora Dairies is committed to a long-term investment in the Australian Dairy Industry. It operates a portfolio of 56 dairy farms, with 49 across south-eastern Australia and 7 in New Zealand.
The company relies on local expertise to operate and improve the productivity of its dairy farms by employing and developing great people, investing in technology and implementing innovative farm development strategies and infrastructure.
Job Description
About the Opportunity
We are currently seeking a Farm Manager for a dairy farm in Winnindoo, located near Heyfield and Traralgon or Sale. The farm spans approximately 550ha, with 174ha under pivot irrigation and 150ha in flood irrigation.
The farm milks 1200 cows through a 50 bail rotary shed with ACRs and auto teat spray. It is predominantly pasture-based, with grain fed in the dairy and silage fed out on the feed pad.
The farm has a run-off area where dry cows are sent, and supplementary feed is made from it. This farm is 80% Spring and 20% Autumn calving, starting in August and February, with cross-breed cows.
Accommodation is available in a family home, along with a vehicle included in the package. There may be opportunities for employment for your partner on one of our nearby farms, if required.
As Farm Manager, you will create an environment where people can develop and help achieve desired outcomes. You will have well-developed pasture management and animal husbandry skills, and understand the demands of large-scale dairy farming. Safety will be at the forefront of everything you do.
You will report to the Regional Operations Manager and be responsible for:
* Ensuring safe operations across the property through our Safety Management System
* Managing and directing staff to achieve positive outcomes
* Exhibiting sound and accurate judgment to ensure high standards of animal health and welfare
* Reporting on farm plans and inventory
* Paddock inspection and estimating quality and availability of pastures
* Implementing stock rotations and contributing to plans for future feed budgets
* Feed management to support achievement of budgeted production targets
* Maintaining water and fencing
* Maintaining accurate stock, treatment, and feeding records
* Operating and maintaining plant and equipment
* Coordinating contractors for fertiliser, hay/silage making activities
* Adhering to company policies and safe work procedures
Requirements
We are looking for a self-motivated individual with strong cattle and pasture management skills, who is keen to get stuck in and achieve results. You will work well on your own but also thrive in a team environment.
You will have:
* Previous experience as a Dairy Farm Manager in a large-scale livestock operation
* Demonstrated ability to lead and direct peers, and work as a valuable team member
* Reporting and computer skills
* Demonstrated ability to follow and implement budgeted outcomes to optimise profitability
* Demonstrated experience in the management and handling of livestock
* Pasture-based farming experience
* Side-by-side and tractor operation skills
* Initiative to complete operational tasks that contribute to the team
* Ability to support and implement safe work procedures
* Willingness to learn new systems of work and try new technology
What Makes Aurora Dairies Unique?
We pride ourselves on:
* A true safety focus across the entire company
* A strong focus on fatigue management and work hours, with a emphasis on work-life balance
* Opportunities to grow your career through professional development and other training opportunities
* An organisation committed to sustainability and putting that into action
* Being part of an organisation that values integrity, trust and collaboration