Job Title: Night Calving Operator
Location: Birr, Co. Offaly
Job Type: Seasonal / Night Work (Spring Calving)
Start Date: February 1 st 2026
Duration: Approx. 70 days (based on calving schedule)
Reporting To: Farm Owner / Herd Manager
Job Overview:
A dairy farm near Birr, Co. Offaly is seeking an experienced Night Calving Operator to assist during the peak spring calving period. The farm runs approx. 300-cow spring-calving herd, with calving concentrated over approximately 70 days.
Night work will be based on calving numbers due each night.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor calving cows during night shifts.
- Assist cows during calving where needed, using safe and hygienic methods
- Administer colostrum to new born calves promptly (via bottle or tube)
- Tag & move calves safely to individual pens and record key details
- Prepare fresh bedding in calving pens and calf sheds
- Feed young calves where needed during shift
- Identify and draft freshly calved cows for morning milking
- Spot signs of illness or calving-related issues (e.g. milk fever, retained cleanings) and report as required
- Operate a loader for bedding and feeding tasks
Requirements:
- Experience working in a similar role on a spring-calving dairy farm is essential
- Competence in assisting calving and handling new born calves
- Strong observational skills to identify cows needing attention
- Ability to work independently during overnight hours
- Full driving licence
- Experience operating a loader or tractor safely
- Good communication skills for daily handover to farm owner / morning staff
- Commitment to animal welfare, hygiene, and bio-security
Additional Information:
- Flexible schedule – night shifts based on number of cows due to calve, may be required for weekend cover.
- Ideal for someone local or within reasonable commuting distance to Birr.
