At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a high-yielding dairy herd and support robotic milking operations.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge's innovative agricultural team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation on-site, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in dairy farming while supporting veterinary education.
- Qualifications: Experience in dairy herd management and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 31236 £ per year.
- Dairy Herdsperson (Fixed Term)
- Department/location
Estates Division (Business Services) - Reference
XM50989 - Category
Assistant staff - Closing date
22 September 2026
The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced and dedicated Dairy Herdsperson to join the team at the Cambridge University Farm (CUF).
CUF operates as a commercial farm while providing an exemplar teaching facility for the Vet School, supporting clinical teaching and maintaining high welfare and compliance standards.
The livestock enterprise includes a high-yielding dairy herd of approximately 220 milking cows producing around 2 million litres of milk per year, alongside a 250-head sheep flock.
About the role
As a key member of the dairy team, you will contribute to the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the dairy herd.
Working closely with the Dairy Farm Manager, you will support long-term herd planning, daily herd management, robotic milking operations, breeding and youngstock care.
The role also supports the teaching needs of the Vet School, ensuring animals are available for clinical teaching as required.
This is a practical role requiring strong practical skills, sound judgement and the ability to work independently.
You will participate in an alternate weekend rota and a one-in-four on-call rota for robotic milking systems and night checks.
Key responsibilities
- Dairy herd management, including planning breeding programmes, monitoring milk production and ensuring accurate record keeping.
- Oversight of robotic milking systems, including preventative and corrective maintenance and ensuring cows are milked at appropriate frequencies.
- Monitoring animal health and welfare, identifying issues such as mastitis, lameness and metabolic conditions, and liaising with Vets as required.
- Artificial insemination, including identifying bulling, handling straws correctly and maintaining breeding records.
- Calving and calf rearing, recognising signs of calving, assisting safely, managing colostrum, rearing calves and carrying out disbudding and castration.
- Feeding operations, including feeding 240 dairy cows and 200 youngstock, adjusting feed mixes and operating feeding equipment.
- Dry cow management, including dietary monitoring and drying off cows in line with herd policy.
- Ensuring compliance with assurance schemes and regulatory bodies such as DEFRA, the RPA and the Environment Agency, and maintaining a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors.
About you
- Extensive practical experience in modern dairy herd management, ideally within a high-yielding herd environment.
- Strong knowledge of modern farming methods and agricultural machinery.
- Understanding of regulatory bodies such as DEFRA, the RPA and the Environment Agency.
- Good communication skills, particularly when working with Vets and students.
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
- Good IT skills and accurate record keeping capability.
- S/NVQ Level 3 in Livestock Production (Dairy) or equivalent experience.
- A full, clean UK driving licence.
Please be aware that a Full UK Driving Licence is essential for this role (a full EU Driving Licence is acceptable on appointment, but the successful applicant must transfer to a UK Licence prior to confirming a start date).
Commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with industry developments.
We offer
- Accommodation is provided on site due to the requirements of the role.
- Relocation Package is available.
- Standby Payment Allowance for being part of the standby rota, including weekends, for our robotic milking system alarms.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Dairy Herdsperson employer: Job Traffic
Join a dynamic team as a Landscape Supervisor where your passion for landscaping will be nurtured and valued. Our company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for skill development and leadership training. With competitive pay, a bonus scheme, and a commitment to work-life balance, we ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant outdoor environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dairy Herdsperson
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Job Traffic.
We think you need these skills to ace Dairy Herdsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Job Traffic, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
