Animal Breeder

This role is ideal for a recent veterinary graduate seeking hands-on experience in large-herd dairy management and applied animal health. The Animal Breeder supports herd health, reproduction, maternity care, recordkeeping, employee supervision, and daily barn operations.

Great opportunity for professionals with an Animal Science, Agriculture, or a closely related Bachelor's degree interested in working in the U.S. on a TN Visa. Only citizens of Canada and Mexico are eligible for the TN Visa program.

Job Summary
The Animal Breeder supports herd health, reproduction, maternity care, recordkeeping, employee supervision, and daily barn operations. This role is ideal for a recent veterinary graduate seeking hands-on experience in large-herd dairy management and applied animal health.

Responsibilities
Actual duties will be determined by the individual's skill set, experience, and the operational needs of the farm, and may include the following:

Animal Health & Daily Monitoring

• Observing cattle for heats, illness, lameness, mastitis, or abnormal behavior.
• Assisting with diagnosis and treatment following established herd health protocols.
• Administering vaccinations as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Participating in fresh-cow and sick-cow programs, including temperatures, monitoring behavior, palpation, and checking for DA's.
• Maintaining health and production records using Dairy Comp or similar herd-management software.
• Maintaining accurate animal identification and tagging.

Maternity & Calf Care

• Assisting in the maternity area, including monitoring calvings and caring for newborn calves.
• Maintaining a clean, stocked calving and fresh-cow environment.
• Ensuring fresh cows receive appropriate post-calving monitoring, follow-up checks, feed, and hydration.

Reproduction & Hoof Health

• Assisting with cattle breeding activities.
• Detecting heats and supporting reproductive program execution.
• Performing or assisting with hoof trimming.

Routine Dairy Operations

• Sorting and moving cattle safely between barns and groups.
• Feeding, watering, and caring for animals requiring special attention.
• Mixing TMR and feeding cattle when needed.
• Providing milking coverage for absent milkers, break periods, and milking fresh/treated groups when needed.
• Operating equipment such as skid loaders and bedding tractors for barn cleaning, feed push-up, and bunk maintenance.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Working alongside veterinarians, nutritionists, consultants, and herds people to optimize herd performance.
• Supporting implementation of veterinary and nutritional recommendations.
• Maintaining a positive, professional attitude in a fast-paced work environment.

Employee Support & Protocol Compliance

• Monitoring employees to ensure adherence to SOPs and daily routines.
• Assisting with training staff on safety, efficiency, and proper procedures.
• Providing constructive feedback and supporting employee development.
• Collaborating with the Herd Manager to ensure efficient use of labor and strong team performance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Providing occasional on-call nighttime emergency coverage.
• Helping with daily barn operations to maintain cow comfort and efficiency.
• Performing other duties as needed to support the overall success of the dairy.