Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Farm Workers

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Farm Worker 1

Job Title

Farm Worker 1

Department

Operations Support | Dairy Education and Research Centre | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range

$4,248.88 - $4,856.18 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 19, 2026

Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Ongoing

This position is working full-time at Agassiz, BC. Please include cover letter with application.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

The Dairy Education and Research Centre is home to internationally recognized researchers involved in animal welfare and cattle reproduction. Research is supported by temporarily adapting to different management of the herd operationally, and by implementing research findings that benefit the herd. The Dairy Centre is part of the local dairy community and is a research farm that operates on a cost recovery basis. We have a herd of approximately 500 animals and milk about 240 cows with our Automated Milking Systems (AMS). The Farm Worker 1 performs duties related to herd care and feeding and performs fieldwork. Due to the nature of the position, scheduling of duties on weekends and holidays is necessary. In addition, the time required to perform duties of the position is expected to vary from day to day.

Organizational Status

Works with other Farm Workers and students under the general supervision of the Manager.

Work Performed

A. Milking:

• Guides cows to the AMS when they are due to be milked, monitors for incomplete milking, and sorts into designated pens for re-milking when needed.
• Monitors, and performs basic maintenance of the AMS and other milk related equipment.
• Assures high milk quality, cleanliness and sanitation of milking equipment in the AMS units.
• Assists with calving.
• Diagnoses and treats cow disorders.
• Communicates problems to the Manager and discusses corrective action.

B. Animal Husbandry

• Maintains animals according to the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
• Mixes and feeds rations to animals in all age groups.
• Performs estrus detection and artificial insemination.
• Dehorns and trims hoofs as required.
• Cleans and maintains barns.
• Maintains husbandry equipment in good and clean operating condition
• Assists with research projects related to the dairy herd
• Maintains accurate records

C. Fieldwork

• Performs fieldwork including operating a full range of farm equipment required for manure spreading, fertilizing, cultivating, seeding, and harvesting.
• Performs maintenance and minor repairs to farm equipment
• Assists with research experiments related to fieldwork.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inappropriate care and treatment of animals would result in loss of net income due to reduced production, possible loss of expensive research animals, and endanger other animals or people handling animals. In each case, research projects and the reputation of the Centre would be compromised.

Inadequate maintenance or incorrect use of equipment or failure to repair equipment could compromise staff, student and animal safety as well as the integrity of the research programs. In addition, such failures of good practice will reduce net income.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Manager, receiving direction from the Farm Worker 2s.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Artificial Insemination certificate is desirable.
• Diploma in Animal Husbandry, Agronomy or Mechanics.
• Grade 12 Education.1 years relevant experience.
• Experience working with heavy equipment (specifically loader tractors, TMR mixers and PTO driven implements) would be an asset
• Experience working with robotic milking systems would be an asset
• Good knowledge of dairy cattle behavior and currently accepted milking handling practices including knowledge of milking machines and milk handling systems.
• Ability to recognize and treat health problems in dairy cattle and handle calving problems.
• Experience in operating various types of farm equipment, troubleshooting and carrying out minor equipment repairs.
• Willingness to accept and adopt new technologies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently as part of the Centre s research support team to and delegate effectively.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records.
• Class 5 driver s license preferred.
• Class 3 driver’s license if possible.