Goat Dairy Farm Hand

Goat Dairy Farm Worker (2)

Blakesville Dairy Farm

Port Washington, Wisconsin

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

In late 2012, we acquired an active 300 head cow dairy operation located at 820 Lake Road, Port Washington, Wisconsin and began the process for converting the property to our goat farm. The Goat Dairy was originally named Afterglow Dairy Farm but the name was updated in 2019 to Blakesville Dairy Farm to honor the original village that was located on the land prior to our time.

Our primary purpose is to produce quality goat milk using sustainable farming practices. The goat farm is also designed to be congruent with the larger environmental and social aims of the surrounding properties which include 400 additional acres of primarily agricultural and historic homestead properties.

Today, we are approaching peak milk production, 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. We are also interested in raising the genetically strongest and healthiest herd of animals. We currently sell our milk wholesale but also directly to our on-site farmstead creamery called Blakesville Creamery which opened in 2020, is rapidly expanding, and now produces goat cheese sold all across the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Goat Dairy Farm Hand position will work across all general operations at Blakesville Dairy Farm to provide the highest possible care for our goats and our farm. The role include all aspects of the farm such as a focus on the health and well-being of the goat herd and maintaining field, machine, and building operations including assistance with annual crops, tractor operation, and equipment. Ideal candidates are capable to be trained 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

· Skid steer and tractor operation

· Assist with general field work

· Restocking/moving hay bales

· Basic maintenance

· Basic repairs and maintenance

· Assist with milking operations and cleaning of milking parlor

HOURS: Full-time (40-50 hours/week). Part-time also available.

PAY: Hourly or salary, based on experience. Potential pay range is $16 - $25/ hour or $42,000 - $55,000/ annually.

BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES: Health and Dental insurance w/ employer contribution, PTO, 401K contribution with employee match contribution

QUALIFICATIONS

· Must have at least 1 year experience working with livestock (goats preferred)

· Experience milking animals with adherence to food safety protocol

· Weekend and holiday work is required

· Ability to lift/move water buckets, hay bales, and other heavy objects - up to 75 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 independently and with other co-workers

· Sound judgment and commitment to sustainable farm values and safety

· Bi-lingual is strongly preferred (Spanish and English)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 – 55 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Port Washington, WI 53074: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person