Location: Ballacolla, Co. Laois, Ireland
Hours: 2-3 evenings per week, with occasional weekend availability
Start Date: Mid February 2026
Herd Size: 140 cows
Milking Facility: 20-unit parlour
Evening Milking Time: 4:00pm sharp
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dependable Relief Milker to join our dairy farm team. The successful candidate must be capable of completing full milking routines independently and maintaining high standards of hygiene, cow handling, and parlour management.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out evening milking sessions starting at 4pm sharp, independently, for a 140-cow herd.
- Prepare and set up the 20-unit parlour before milking.
- Ensure cows are brought in calmly and handled safely throughout.
- Monitor cow health and report any issues (e.g., mastitis, lameness).
- Post-milking wash-down and sanitation of parlour and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records where required.
- Follow all farm health & safety and animal-welfare protocols.
- Provide additional cover on weekends or one evening per weekend when required.
Requirements
- Must have experience milking alone in a similar dairy setup.
- Strong understanding of milking routines, hygiene standards, and mastitis detection.
- Confident and calm when handling livestock.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
- Good attention to detail and awareness of cow health.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends.
- Own transport required.
Preferred but Not Essential
- Machinery operation experience (scrapers, loaders, etc.).
- Basic knowledge of dairy herd health and nutrition.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay rate based on experience.
- Steady weekly hours with additional shifts available.
- Supportive working environment with modern, well-maintained facilities.
- Opportunity for long-term or expanded responsibilities.
