JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY:

• The Manager Trainee role is designed for individuals who want to build a long-term career in dairy farm leadership with Aurora Organic Dairy.
• In this role, the trainee will rotate through key areas of farm operations, including feeding, milking, animal care, herd health, maternity and hospital pen support, sanitation, and facility upkeep.
• This position partners closely with farm leadership to learn AOD standards, safety practices, animal care expectations, and organic compliance requirements while gaining hands-on operational experience.
• The trainee will support day-to-day farm operations, contribute to team success, and develop the judgment, communication, and leadership skills needed for future management opportunities.
• Successful candidates will bring a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to operational excellence, animal care, and continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Demonstrate professionalism and respect in interactions with employees, leaders, vendors, and visitors.
• Participate in training, cross-functional learning opportunities, and special projects that support development into a future farm leader.
• Assist with accurate herd records, operational logs, and other reporting requirements.
• Model accountability, adaptability, teamwork, and a positive approach in a fast-paced farm environment.
• Budget: Supports cost awareness and operational efficiency; no direct budget ownership during training.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on dairy or farm operations experience may also be considered.
• Internship, cooperative education, or prior experience in dairy, livestock, agriculture, or farm operations is preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to learn, understand, and follow all AOD policies, procedures, safety requirements, animal care expectations, and National Organic Program regulations.
• Strong interest in dairy farm management, herd health, milk quality, employee leadership, and continuous improvement.
• Solid problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn through coaching and feedback.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions, with schedule flexibility as farm operations require.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, stand for extended periods, walk uneven surfaces, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn farm management systems, recordkeeping tools, and reporting processes.

PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internally: 
• Works closely with farm managers, supervisors, herdsmen, animal care teams, maintenance staff, and other AOD operational leaders.
• May also partner with employees at other AOD farms, the processing plant, and corporate support teams as part of training and development.
• Externally: Represents AOD professionally with vendors, service providers, auditors, and visitors as appropriate to training assignments.