Are you an experienced dairy farm stockman seeking to use your skills to make progress and generate further employment income? Our business is offering a new opportunity to a Lead Stockman to join our hard-working Agribusiness team based in Miwani, Kisumu County. The objective of this role is to support a private farm engaged in dairy and other farming. You will handle the daily operations of the cattle and you will assist Management in their goals to increase productivity in the farm business. You must possess strong practical farming skills and direct experience handling Graded dairy cattle. Primarily, you will focus on improving the milk yield and productivity of assigned livestock, ensuring improved feeding regime, health & animal welfare and hygiene of all livestock under your care.
A positive mindset with a ‘can-do’ attitude is absolutely essential. This role suits an intelligent, reliable, practical minded employee seeking the opportunity to work ambitiously in dairy farming. You must be a punctual person able to work efficiently and deliver your assigned work ahead of time without constant supervision. Initially this is a 6-month placement which would be extended to a longer term, depending on your performance and our business requirements.
Responsibilities
Your duties will include but are not limited to:
Primary responsibility for the welfare of dairy cattle and any other livestock allocated to you and be responsible for all daily animal husbandry activities and routines.
Performing all necessary general daily, weekly and routine tasks relating to dairy cattle, feeding and watering, sanitation, supporting the administering medicines, pest control routine security and maintaining records of livestock yields, performance, health condition, eating habits, insemination, gestation, medication, food additives, veterinary attendance etc.
Competently handling calving seasons including dealing with pregnant cows.
Milking cows including manually by hand or use of an electrical milking machine if provided and to deliver any such milk unadulterated, in a hygienic manner in the manner/ containers provided.
Undertaking routine daily feeding arrangements including feeds collection, preparation and feeding in sufficient quantities, ensuring animals remain well-fed, in good condition and safe and secure.
Ensuring the livestock receive sufficient clean drinking water routinely daily and at all times.
Performing daily and repeated hygiene clean-up and sanitation of waste of livestock living quarters.
Routinely inspecting animals for any disease or damage, assisting any affected animal and immediately reporting any health/ welfare issues to the Management for action and instruction.
Undertaking daily, weekly and routine welfare checks for pest control, spraying/ dipping and eliminating any pests/ vermin (parasites, rats, snakes etc.) in or around the animal living quarters.
Properly maintaining the animal living quarters, suggesting improvements and taking action to minimize/ eliminate any dangers to livestock or persons including that which might cause injury.
Working competently alongside colleagues in all normal weather conditions (whether indoors or outdoors), applying the skills, physical strength and stamina and handling animals and colleagues without violence or causing harm to yourself or colleagues.
Maintaining relevant tools and equipment used in your duties and ensuring that you do not cause loss of animals, produce, equipment or farm assets through negligence, carelessness or omissions.
Standing-in for and supporting other farm employee(s) on their day off, absence or in emergency.
Assisting daily in securely locking farm premises ensuring security of all livestock, facilities, tools etc.
Responsibility for notifying Management upon becoming aware of any actual or attempted theft , vandalism or damage of any livestock, crops, fencing, assets and/or equipment howsoever caused.
Assisting Management or other instructed persons, in loading, offloading, storing or relocating livestock, goods, equipment, feeds, and materials, to or from or around the farm as instructed
Guiding and supporting the growing and maintenance of cow feeds e.g. grasses, Napier, legumes and other vegetation on site.
Maintaining proper, timely and clear written farm records related to your work about all livestock under your care and making available such records to the Management weekly. This includes submitting a weekly report of your tasks accomplished, identified issues and improvements required.
Applying basic carpentry/ handy-man skills, performing minor repairs in the livestock area.
Complying with safe efficient working practices, using modern methods, operating machinery/ tools.
Performing all necessary general routine and periodic tasks of an experienced skilled stockman supporting Management and promptly performing any other farm tasks requested from time to time.
Working hours from 6am to 6pm subject to the needs of the farm and any emergencies, and in line with any approved routine rest breaks permitted and approved days off/ leave.
Must be willing to relocate and reside onsite (Miwani) during working days
Person Specification:
To be considered for this role, you MUST be/demonstrate the following:
Diploma or Degree graduate from a reputable college/ university. Minimum 3 years work experience.
Be committed, trustworthy and energetic, able to use initiative, plan and work independently.
Working without constant supervision, be a sensible person able to offer solutions and resolve day-to-day farming problems/ challenges on site.
Highly organized, consistently respectful, with a flexible ‘can do’ attitude able to follow instructions, prioritize, take responsibility for tasks, and deliver results on time.
Be a proactive worker and team player, with good communication skills in English and Swahili (written and oral), and mathematically literate.
Be a self-disciplined person who does not engage in drugs and alcohol abuse.
Dealing with Graded dairy cattle is a naturally physically demanding job that requires patience, skills and care. You must be physically fit and strong to properly and safely handle livestock.
Valid driving license is an advantage.
Previous experience working at an established dairy farm is a significant advantage.
Kenyan Citizen with valid national Identification Card
How to Apply
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply as soon as possible:
Only serious candidates need apply.
Applicants should send a Motivation Letter, detailed CV, copy of academic certificates, copy of valid ID, contact details of three referees and a colored passport size photo.
Interviews will be arranged after the application deadline. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an invitation to attend a first stage telephone interview and if successful, you will then attend a second stage interview in person (physically), details to be instructed.
Vetting will be undertaken prior to any employment. References will be verified. You may be required to obtain a Chief’s Letter and a valid police certificate of good conduct.