Purpose of Position 

To execute and supervise all activities regarding the daily operations of the herd, to ensure effective and efficient processes in order to achieve the strategic initiatives and critical success factors of the department. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• A honours degree in Agriculture specialized in animal science. 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on a dairy farm or similar environment. 

• Code B Driver’s License. 

Key accountabilities: 

• Draw up and implement a cleaning program for the milk parlour and milk holding tanks to maintain good hygiene and good milk quality. 

• Make all arrangements regarding the taking of milk samples and supervise the process to ensure that procedures are followed. 

• Check that all standard operating procedures regarding milking and treatment of cows are adhered to. 

• Observe cows for early and accurate detection of coming on heat signs and verify against the insemination list to determine which cows to inseminate. 

• Record the AI data on Afikim and conduct random checks on data entered by the Jnr Team Leaders and Herd in order to address mistakes. 

• Inspect and report on the condition of cow, heifer and calf houses regarding shading, availability of feed and water, structures, feeding lanes, manure lanes, manure pits and bedding in order to ensure herd comfort at all times. 

• Observe herd continuously to detect health problems, cows coming on heat or beginning to calf, or any discomfort and take immediate action when animals’ health is affected. 

• Co-ordinate the vaccination of the herd, by issuing the required vaccines and materials and ensuring that the correct procedure regarding the handling, mixing and dispensing of the medicine is followed. 

• Verify stock received against delivery notes, record in the stock receipt register and report differences to the Herd Administrator. 

• Responsible for all data capturing and reporting on Afikim in the absence of the Herd Administrator. 

• Supervise and direct subordinates according to work processes on a daily basis. 

• Adhere and ensure adherence to the care and maintenance procedures and services schedules through random inspection of check lists for all equipment. 

• Overall responsible to ensure that good housekeeping practices are adhered to in line with environmental and occupational health policy and guidelines through regular inspections. 

Skills and Attributes 

• Technical/professional expertise 

• Assertive communication 

• Attention to detail 

• Planning and organizing 

• Emotional Intelligence