Calf Rearer (Winton) 3475AG

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Calf Rearer for a fixed-term position from October 2026 to April 2027. This role is with a rural contracting and dairy support business caring for approximately 550 R1 and 550 R2 young stock, as well as around 30 R1 beef animals.

Previous calf-rearing or young-stock experience is preferred but not essential. The successful candidate will need to have a genuine interest in animal care and welfare, be observant and reliable, and be willing to learn and follow the farm’s animal health and management procedures.

You'll have a range of duties to keep you busy, interested and developing including:

• Feeding and caring for calves and young stock
• Ensuring calves receive adequate and timely nutrition, including colostrum management
• Monitoring calves for signs of illness, injury or poor health and reporting concerns to the manager
• Drafting sick calves into the appropriate sick pen and assisting with treatments as directed
• Assisting with animal health treatments, including mineral treatments and drenching
• Taking individual calf faecal samples for Faecal Egg Counts as required
• Tagging calves and maintaining accurate animal health records
• Maintaining good calf shed hygiene and biosecurity practices
• Cleaning and disinfecting feeding equipment, pens and other calf-rearing areas
• Maintaining clean and fresh bedding
• Monitoring calf shed water troughs and reporting or assisting with basic maintenance
• Safely handling and moving calves and other young stock
• Assisting with preparing suitable and healthy calves for transport
• and other general young-stock and farm duties

Weekly hours are a minimum of 30, with an average of 45 and a maximum of 60. Since farm work is dependent on a number of unknown factors like weather and animals, any hours worked beyond the agreed maximum in a fortnightly pay period will be paid at the agreed overtime rate.

The schedule may vary but generally work hours are between 8am and go through 6pm with meal and rest breaks; Roster will be 12 days on, 2 days off.

Wage is $30.00 per hour.

Candidates are required to provide good related references. 

To be considered you must:

- provide a CV which is current, correct and complete or alternative evidence of work (this is proof of work and professionalism and the employer will not consider you without this)

- be a solid worker and have good character (where possible, we will do a criminal check)

- be physically fit

- be able to pass a pre-employment drug test

- hold at least a restricted driver licence

Summary - if you’re committed to working hard, treating the animals with care and respect, paying attention to detail and communicating well with others, you will want this job. Previous calf-rearing experience is a bonus, but a great attitude and willingness to learn are just as important.