Assistant Herdsperson - Full Time -Bavanmore Farms

Company: Bavanmore Farms

Location: Newry

Reports To: Farm Manager

Salary: Competitive salary, dependent on experience, Possibility of Housing

Hours: Full-time position.

Flexibility required to meet the demands of livestock farming, including weekend work and participation in a rota system where applicable.

About Bavanmore Farms: Bavanmore Farms is a progressive, family-run dairy farm operating a 250-cow flying herd with all-year-round calving and three-times-per-day milking. Our modern dairy enterprise features excellent facilities, including a 20/40 herringbone milking parlour, designed to ensure efficient herd management, high milk quality, and outstanding animal welfare. We are committed to combining traditional farming values with modern technology and best practices to deliver a productive, sustainable, and well-managed dairy operation. Continuous investment in our facilities and infrastructure allows us to maintain high standards while providing an efficient and enjoyable working environment. Our success is built on a dedicated team that takes pride in animal care, attention to detail, and teamwork. At Bavanmore Farms, we offer a supportive workplace where employees are valued, encouraged to develop their skills, and given opportunities to grow within the business.

About the Role: We are seeking a motivated and reliable Assistant Herdsperson to join our team and support the day-to-day management of our dairy enterprise. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in agriculture and livestock management while working within a progressive farming business. The successful candidate will assist with all aspects of animal husbandry, herd health, and general farm operations, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and productivity are maintained.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Livestock Management: Monitoring animal health, welfare, and behaviour. Identifying and reporting signs of illness, injury, or distress. Assisting with breeding, calving and youngstock management as required. Handling livestock safely and in accordance with animal welfare standards. Assisting with treatment programmes and veterinary procedures.
• Herd Operations: Moving and handling livestock between sheds, and handling facilities. Maintaining accurate livestock records, including treatments, movements, and performance data. Supporting herd management and breeding programmes. Assisting with weighing, tagging, and routine husbandry tasks.
• Milking Duties: Assisting with daily milking routines. Maintaining high standards of milk hygiene and parlour cleanliness. Monitoring milk quality and reporting any concerns.
• Farm Maintenance: Assisting with the upkeep of livestock housing, fencing, water systems, and handling facilities. Operating farm machinery and equipment where trained and authorised. Ensuring yards, sheds, and work areas are maintained to a high standard.
• Health, Safety and Biosecurity: Following all farm health and safety procedures. Adhering to farm biosecurity protocols. Ensuring compliance with animal welfare legislation and farm policies.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in herd management
• AI Experience
• Understanding of livestock health, nutrition, and breeding.
• Genuine interest in livestock farming and animal husbandry.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Reliable, punctual, and willing to work flexible hours.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Requirements:

• Previous experience working with cattle, or other livestock.
• Agricultural qualification or relevant training.
• Experience operating tractors and farm machinery.
• Telehandler certificate.
• Experience with livestock record-keeping systems.
• Experience with Uniform Agri and Cow Manager.
• Foot Trimming.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunities for training and career development.
• 30 days annual leave (including public holidays).
• Extra holiday entitlement after 1 years service (up to 5 additional days).
• Company pension.
• Gym membership.
• Free on-site parking.
• Regular company events.
• Supportive and professional working environment.
• Accommodation available (if applicable).

Personal Attributes: The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and keen to learn, committed to high standards of animal welfare, practical and hands-on in their approach, able to demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills, professional, trustworthy, and dependable.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our commitment to high standards of livestock care and farm management.