Role snapshot
This page describes a typical Dairy Farm Worker role in Canada (sometimes listed as dairy farm labourer). Exact tasks, schedule, and conditions vary by province and employer.
| Topic | Typical baseline |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Early mornings are common; 5–6 days/week is typical on farms (varies by rotation and season). |
| Work setting | On-farm barns and milking parlours; indoor/outdoor tasks depending on site and season. |
| Physical demands | Standing, lifting, repetitive routines, wet/odorous environment; strict hygiene is normal. |
| Language | Basic English for safety and daily instructions (level depends on site). |
Important: “Gross pay” means before statutory deductions (e.g., tax, CPP/EI where applicable). Some employers may deduct for housing/meals if provided.
Hiring story
Dairy operations rarely “pause.” The herd needs consistent routines—often twice-daily milking, feed cycles, bedding, and sanitation. Employers usually hire when herds expand, when the calving cycle increases workload, or when a farm modernizes systems (parlour upgrades, feeding automation) and needs dependable workers who follow procedures precisely.
- Peak periods: calving season, staffing rotations, and expansion phases.
- Why reliability matters: small delays can affect animal welfare, milk quality, and daily throughput.
- What “good performance” looks like: safe routines, clean work zones, calm animal handling, clear communication.
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can follow routine steps carefully (same tasks, done right, every day)
- are comfortable around large animals and keep calm under pressure
- can start early and stay consistent through weekends/rotations
- take hygiene and safety seriously (cleaning, wash-down, PPE)
- communicate simply in English for instructions and hazards
- can handle physical work: lifting, standing, repetitive movements
- notice problems early (animal health signs, equipment issues)
This role is not for you if you…
- need a fixed 9–5 schedule and cannot do early mornings
- dislike wet/odorous environments or strict cleaning routines
- ignore safety rules or prefer “improvising” instead of procedures
- are uncomfortable working near animals or in barn settings
What you’ll do (day-to-day)
Core duties
- Milk cows using a milking parlour system (or assist the milking team)
- Feed livestock and support ration routines (hay, silage, feed systems)
- Clean and sanitize work areas: barns, stalls, parlour zones, equipment wash-down
- Handle bedding, basic barn maintenance, and safe waste management
- Support calf care: feeding, cleaning pens, monitoring basic well-being
- Report issues (equipment faults, abnormal animal behaviour) to the supervisor
- Assist with basic farm tasks as required (moving animals, prepping supplies)
A typical day (example flow)
| Time (example) | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Milking routine or support tasks; equipment rinse; area reset. |
| Midday | Feeding cycle, bedding, pen sanitation, inventory prep, light maintenance. |
| Afternoon/evening | Second milking routine; wash-down; end-of-day checks and handover notes. |
The exact flow depends on farm size and technology (rotary parlour, pipeline systems, automated feeders). Your CV should mention any systems you’ve used.
Requirements & skills
Must-have
- Ability to perform physical tasks safely (lifting, repetitive routines, standing)
- Basic English for safety instructions and daily coordination
- Reliable attendance and punctuality (farm routines are time-critical)
- Safety mindset: PPE use, hygiene procedures, hazard awareness
- Eligibility to work in Canada as required by law and employer policy
Nice-to-have
- Prior dairy experience: milking parlour, calf care, feeding systems
- Experience operating simple equipment (pressure washer, small farm tools)
- Valid driver’s licence (helpful for some rural sites)
- Any safety training/certificates (first aid, equipment safety)
Work conditions (typical)
- Schedule: farms often run 7 days/week; shifts rotate by site. Early mornings are common.
- Overtime: may be available during busy periods; premiums apply where required by local rules/policy.
- Safety: animal handling, wet floors, cleaning chemicals, and machinery hazards—procedures matter.
- Tools/PPE: PPE is commonly required (boots, gloves, protective clothing). Some sites provide, others require own basics.
- Accommodation: sometimes offered on/near farm; if provided, costs/deductions vary by employer.
- Deductions: statutory deductions can apply; housing/meals may be deducted if provided (policy varies).
Documents for legal work in Canada (general)
Legal eligibility depends on your status and the employer’s hiring pathway. The terms below are provided in general form (no external links).
- Work authorization: employer-specific work permit vs open work permit (as applicable to the candidate).
- Identity documents: valid passport; additional documents as requested by the employer/authority.
- Checks: background checks may be required depending on employer policy and role duties.
- Onboarding basics: ability to complete standard hiring forms and comply with site safety rules.
Do not send sensitive documents publicly. Provide details only through the official application flow and employer’s secure process.
How to apply
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Highlight dairy-relevant tasks (milking, feeding, calf care, sanitation) and your schedule availability
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges are indicative and shown as gross. Actual pay depends on province, experience, overtime, shift premiums and employer policy.
Related roles in Agriculture & Food Processing
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
What are typical duties on a dairy farm?
Milking routines (or support tasks), feeding, barn sanitation, bedding, calf care support, and reporting issues to the supervisor.
Are early mornings normal?
Often, yes. Many dairy sites run time-critical routines (commonly including early shifts). Exact schedules depend on the farm and rotation.
What affects gross pay?
Province, experience, site size/technology, overtime availability, and employer policy. Some sites also have different rates for specialized responsibilities.
Is accommodation always provided?
No. Some employers provide housing (with terms that vary), while others require candidates to arrange accommodation independently.