Herd Breed Supervisor

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Herd Breed Supervisor will provide support and take responsibility for implementing a variety of activities associated with caring for the herd. The incumbent is expected to provide health care for the animals, develop, implement and maintain an effective and efficient feeding and breeding program. 

Key Responsibilities Areas

Management/Administrative 

• Monitor the health and care for the beef herd and determine and prepare feed formulas, daily monitoring, feeding and routine treatment of sick animals requiring vaccinations, special diets or common medications 
• Identify abnormalities and determine appropriate courses of action; consult with Farm Manager/Veterinarian when initial treatments are not effective
• Maintain clean facilities, yards and equipment, replacing bedding, cleaning pens/stalls/corrals and spraying for weeds and insects as necessary and when agreed upon by supervisor or their designate 
• Select, collect and label samples, recording data and keeping records of activities and supplies associated with animal care (e.g. food, age, health, inventory of animals in care, samples) 
• Herd animals between various barns, pens or pastures, including transportation to other locations 
• Identify, analyse and evaluate problems and make recommending for courses of action 
• Ensure compliance with farm health and safety policies and procedures, including the wearing of all personal protective equipment 
• Ensure the proper application of appropriate procedures and techniques, keeping records, mixing or applying materials, performing precise measurements and compiling accurate records 
• Ensure proper maintenance of the animals’ welfare and provide close attention during extreme weather conditions or disasters 
• Ensure proper selection of sire bulls and selection and replacement of heifers Maintain proper calves selection and breeding 
• Maintain a good in-breeding coefficient 
• Maintain proper record keeping of ancestry records 
• Performs other related functions assigned from time to time

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Operate, calibrate, maintain tractors, feed trucks, cattle handling chutes, scales, augers and builds and repairs cattle handling equipment, including fences, corrals, sheds, and water supply systems 
• Provide services associated with experimental or extension procedures, including selecting animals, and assisting in calving and maintaining related records
• Operate, calibrate and maintain equipment such as, but not limited to tractors, feed-mixers, field equipment (seeding, haying, etc), and cattle handling chutes, scales and augers 
• Manage and supervise semen collection and artificial insemination program
• Utilize physical skill, dexterity and coordination when handling the animals and building and repairing fences and remote water supply system 
• Perform, manage and supervise vaccination and birth assistance 

Human Resource Management 

• Manage the work of subordinates through effective objective setting, delegation and communication; agrees objectives and performance targets with subordinates and conduct interim and annual performance appraisals 
• Undertake various human resource functions for the Department including but not limited to assessment for hiring and performance appraisals 
• Assess staff training requirements on an on-going basis and ensure provision of structured training programs and on-the-job coaching to develop required skills and knowledge within the organization 

Other

• Performs all other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Farm Manager. 

Required Skills & Competence

• Knowledge of animal care and handling within a pasture (e.g. bedding, cleanliness, and sanitation) 
• Ability to use tools, associated equipment, and conduct repair and maintenance
• Knowledge of techniques and practices associated with animal husbandry such as feeding, breeding, behaviour assessment and vaccination of livestock, providing assistance at birth, collecting various samples etc. 
• Knowledge of scientific environment and performing artificial insemination
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite 
• High level of confidentiality and integrity 
• High level of professionalism and good interpersonal skills 
• Excellent planning and organization skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent supervisory skills
• Excellent decision making and problem solving skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Completion of secondary level education 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a similar position 
• Possession of an open General Driver’s License 
• Driving assessed by the National Works Agency 
• Ability to read well and write legibly 

Special Conditions Associated with the job

• Involves working in the field and constant physical activities 
• Day to day interaction with cattle under general farm conditions 
• Exposure to harsh farm chemicals 
• Working on weekends 

 
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.