Livestock Agricultural Assistant Casual - Ontario Dairy Research Centre

General Purpose

Reporting to the Research Facility Forepersons, the incumbent is accountable for all aspects of herd husbandry, attending to the daily comfort, care, health, and production needs of dairy cattle.

This position includes the full range of activities required in a commercial dairy operation. Work with dairy cattle will require: in-depth knowledge of proper milking and sanitation procedures, DFO standards and penalties; operation and maintenance of all milking equipment systems; understanding the specific care, handling and production needs of the breeding heifer, fresh cow, milking and dry cow; understanding proper calving techniques, calf care, ID and registration requirements; data entry using dairy management software; identifying dairy specific disease; knowledge of proper drug handling, withdrawal times, record keeping; proper feed management, storage, feed prep, delivery and nutritional requirements for all ages of dairy cattle.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Preparing and delivering feed rations, and monitoring feed and water intake. 

• Following proper milking and sanitation practices to deliver high-quality food products with safety and animal wellness in mind.  

• Cleaning animal and traffic areas, including management of manure. 

• Assisting researchers and veterinarians in animal handling and general research project support, as well as assisting in preparation and feeding of research feeds. 

• Following research procedures and animal utilization protocols. 

• Operating and maintaining dairy animal related equipment, such as production-related equipment; facility support equipment; computerized weighing equipment; tractors, skid steers, feed carts, data rangers, and small wheel loaders; milking equipment (tie-stall, rotary and robotic); robotic calf feeders; automated manure removal equipment; ventilation and misc. research related equipment. 

Requirements 

• Two-year college program, Diploma in agriculture is preferred.  

• One and half (1.5 years) of current working experience encompassing the full range of responsibilities encountered in a modern, commercial dairy operation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Adaptable, dependable, quick learner, and highly organized. 

• Must be safety conscious, computer literate and attentive to detail. 

• First Aid and CPR certification are preferred. 

• A valid Class G driver’s license or ability to obtain is required. 

• Reliable transportation to site is required; there is no public transportation available.