What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care & Worker Manager position at UNC Dairy?
Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200 local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.
Overview:
A Worker and Animal Care Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with member farms as well as implementing UNC programs in regard to Animal Care, Worker Care, Sustainability and Milk Quality.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in animal science and/or 2-3 years of dairy experience
- Basic understanding of cattle care, handling, dairy industry, milk quality and processing.
- FARM Program Animal Care Evaluator certification (preferred)
- Experience with agriculture labor and safety
- Understanding of best farm practices in relation to animal well-being and functionality of the dairy
- Certified Milk Inspector License (currently have preferred, if not willing to obtain licensing)
- Experience in similar or related roles
Qualifications/Skills and Abilities:
- Current and valid NYS Driver’s License required
- Proficient in software programs (Microsoft word, PowerPoint, excel, etc.)
- Timely and clear communication; text message, phone call, email
- Work well with other team members
- Ability to travel as job and tasks require
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills – ability to identify and resolve issues effectively
- Adaptability- ability to adjust to changing situations
- Time management – ability to organize and manage workload and time effectively
- Dependability – reliable and trustworthy to member farms and other team members
- Good work ethic, driven individual
- Confidentiality – able to maintain confidentiality of farms, cooperative items, etc.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care Evaluations
- Conduct FARM Version 5.0 Evaluations annually on member farms
- Update protocols, following up with farms for paperwork and training
- Identifying and working with farms on areas of improvement
- Work with local veterinarians to improve various areas on farms
- Assist and attend third party verifications and follow up
- Meet annual training requirements
Worker Care
- Develop training resources for members in English and Spanish
- Organize and host member training meetings
- Promote safety on farms – educating, promoting, signage, etc.
- Assist and attend third party verifications and follow up
Environmental Stewardship
- Assist farms in completing evaluations for FARM ES Version 3.0
Regulatory Work
- Certified Milk Inspector with New York State Ag and Markets
- Assist farms in maintaining milk quality standards (bacteria, SCC, milking equipment cleanliness, milkhouse, etc.)
Position Details
- We are based out of the Batavia office
- Typical week is 50-75% on farms and rest in office
- Staff meetings at minimum monthly
- Participate in membership and corporate meetings either in Batavia or Lancaster office
- Looking for a qualified individual who can connect with producers well and communicates in a timely fashion
- Travel (overnight stays) are minimal
Pay: $75K - $80K a year *
* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Salary : $75 - $80