At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in milking cows and maintaining high cleanliness standards.
- Company: Join an award-winning dairy farm shop and restaurant near Norwich.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible roles, light lunches, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team focused on sustainable farming and public engagement.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: No accommodation available; ideal for those seeking a long-term career.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are an award-winning dairy farm shop and restaurant 20 minutes south of Norwich. We are milking 55 cows through a 6 abreast parlour once a day. All the milk is processed on site into bottled milk (both raw and pasteurised), cream, butter, ice cream, yoghurt and ghee and this is sold through the farm shop locally and across the UK via our online shop.
The Dairy is pasture fed, and calves are kept at foot for around 10 months. The dairy is part of a larger herd of cattle totalling 300 head, with any youngstock that arent additions to the dairy herd heading to the 70 head suckler herd. Beef animals are finished on pasture off site at another local farm, but all sold through our own shop.
The dairy herd is predominantly made up of Jersey cows with A2/A2 genetics, and we rear our own replacements/additions. As most of the milk is sold raw, we have very high cleanliness standards with weekly testing – aiming for below 5 Coliforms and under 5000 TVC. SCC averages around 100,000 with incidence of mastitis occurrence at or below 5%.
Cows calve approximately every 18 months, and we are moving towards having both a spring and an autumn calving period.
Cow manager ear tags are used as an aid for health and heat detection.
The cows are grazed on an AMP grazing system across pastures that are mainly GS4 Herbal Leys. We produce a significant quantity of our own forage with the assistance of a local contractor, and we feed lucerne pellets in the parlour.
We also have a herd of soya free pigs, soya free chickens for egg production, and pasture fed sheep.
Some additional help doing general farm tasks will be required as part of being in the overall farm team, but the successful applicant will be expected to focus largely on the dairy, reporting back to the farm manager and farm owners.
Tasks will include:
- Milking to a high standard as part of a team and ensuring the parlour is kept clean and tidy
- Identifying & Treating illnesses in association with the Farm Manager
- Working closely with the Farm Manager to achieve agreed KPIs and herd targets.
- Liaising with Vets and consultants for the farm as required
- Keeping basic records and compliance up to date.
- Ensuring the overall farm is kept tidy and safe to operate.
- Management and care of cows and their calves
- Planning breeding and production cycle and facilitating AI/bull movements (AI experience would be advantageous)
- Stock management – Feed and medicines
Requirements:
- Full UK Driving License
- Be a confident and organised individual with high attention to detail
- Have the capabilities to be decisive and adapt quickly to different situations
- Share our passion and care for our cows and the production of nutrient dense food
- We welcome the public to our site every day, and people are encouraged to watch milking. Due to the key role of the dairy within the business there is a relatively high level of public engagement, and you will be expected to be able to communicate well with those who visit us to learn more about farming.
This is a full time, permanent position and the ideal candidate will be able to start in August. Part time and flexible roles also available.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Unfortunately, there is no accommodation available on site.
Job Length
Permanent
Dates
Start: 1/08/2025,
Finish: Not Specified
Pay
TBD
Hours
40+
> To navigate, press the arrow keys. BESbswy Accommodation Accommodation
No
Accommodation Price
Not Specified
Other Accommodation Information
Excellent local schools.
Light lunch provided.
More Information Distance from shops and amenities
1mile
Smokers Accepted?
No
Driving Licence Required?
Full UK Driving Licence
Other Information
Please provide contact details for your referees. This is a permanent job and we are looking for someone who would consider it a career. Please do not apply unless you can speak good English and have the qualifications required.This is not a \”bog standard\” milking job – we are innovative, creative, and like to push boundaries.
Apply Shortlist
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Milker job - Norfolk employer: 4xtrahands
Contact Detail:
4xtrahands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Milker job - Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific practices and standards of dairy farming, especially those related to cleanliness and milk quality. Understanding the importance of maintaining low coliform counts and SCC levels will show your commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with Jersey cows or A2/A2 genetics in your discussions. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work as part of a team and how you handle public engagement. Since the farm welcomes visitors, showcasing your communication skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the farm's innovative practices and be ready to share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals. Showing that you are proactive and willing to push boundaries will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Milker job - Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Milker position. Familiarise yourself with the dairy's operations, cleanliness standards, and the importance of public engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in dairy farming, milking techniques, and any specific skills such as AI experience or herd management. Make sure to emphasise your attention to detail and ability to work as part of a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for dairy farming and your commitment to high standards. Mention how your values align with the farm's focus on nutrient-dense food production and animal care.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at 4xtrahands
✨Know Your Dairy
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the dairy farm, including the types of cows, milking processes, and cleanliness standards. Being able to discuss these topics will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in dairy farming or animal husbandry, make sure to highlight it. Discuss any specific skills you have, such as AI experience or stock management, as these will be highly relevant to the position.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves public engagement, practice how you would explain milking processes or animal care to visitors. Show that you can communicate effectively and enthusiastically about your work.
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Express your commitment to animal care and the production of nutrient-dense food. Share any personal experiences or beliefs that align with the farm's values, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.