Assistant Farm Operations Manager
Full TimeJob Description
Who We Are
Surfing Goat Dairy, located on the slopes of Haleakala in Maui’s Upcountry, is growing
into a leading agritourism business. The dairy, founded in 2002, was purchased in 2023 and has
undergone a large transformation into a top tourism destination. The business was recently awarded
“Top 10% of things to do worldwide” by Trip advisor. The dairy is the largest on Maui and,
in addition to seeing hundreds of visitors a day, supplies the top restaurants and hotels on
the island. The farm is over 42 acres and maintains a core herd of over 200 goats buts expands to over 400 during kidding season.
Summary
Surfing Goat Dairy is seeking to fill a year-round, long-term position of Assistant Farm
Operations Manager. The ideal candidate has several years of agriculture experience in
animal farming, including milking, feeding, breeding, and birthing. This position is responsible
in assisting with all areas of daily operations on the farm. The candidate would support, and
report to the Farm Manager, as well as acting as manager in their absence. The Assistant Manager is
actively involved in all aspects of the farm including animal management, farm infrastructure
maintenance, dairy farm operations, and tourism operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this role successfully, the Assistant Farm Operations Manager will be required to perform but limited to the following responsibilities.
Core Tasks
• Follow, adapt, lead, and participate in the established milking, health, feeding, breeding, birthing routines and shifts of the farm
• Undertake practical work as necessary depending on the volume of the work
• Complete tasks assigned by the Farm Manager accurately and efficiently
• Communicate directly with the Farm Manager, the status of work/needed responsibilities on the farm
• Work together with the farm manager to achieve the weekly goals set for the farm
• Act as an intermediary between the farm manager and other workers on the farm, bringing concerns in a very supportive and positive manner
• Measure and report daily/monthly work progress of the farm
• In the absence of the Farm Manager, assign and communicate daily/weekly duties required by farm employees
• Plan and execute daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance projects to minimize downtime
• Keep up to date and accurate equipment records as required
Key Skills and Attributes
• 2 to 4-year degree in an agricultural field with minimum 1-year practical experience or minimum 5 years practical work experience in related agricultural setting
• A knowledge and comfort in animal care, including health, nutrition, breeding, birthing, and day-to-day care like hoof maintenance
• A knowledge of food production and an awareness of customer demand, food standards and sustainability practices
• Customer service and profit oriented to execute the vision and mission for a viable farm and agritourism business
• Willingness to work until the required work is done and a “do it right the first time” mindset
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively when required
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills
• Honesty, integrity, and reliability are mandatory
• Supervisory, leadership, and team management skills
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and be proactive
• Willingness to receive and offer constructive feedback in a respectful manner
• Multitask, flexibility, adaptability
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving, and resourcefulness but know when to ask for help
• Sense of humor
• Know that your role is to support the vision of the ownership
Work Experience
• Previous hands-on farming experience with goats, dairy operations, agritourism, and farming
management strongly recommended
• Demonstrated ability in leadership positions
• Able to drive pick-up truck, tractor, or loader as needed
Qualifications and Requirements
• 5+ years relatable experience or coarse completion in the areas of animal health, breeding,
birthing, dairy operations, cheese production, and Farm Business Management are
recommended
• Extensive experience in a farming-related field
• Management experience would be an asset
• Valid driver’s license in good standing
• A passion for animals and agriculture
• Lift and carry 40-60lbs, lift and unload 50 pounds (feed bags)
• Basic understanding and proper use of power tools
• Willingness to drive off-farm for farm needs; deliveries, feed pickups, etc.
• Willing and able to operate farm vehicles
Salary
$25-28/hour ($52.2k-58.2k+/year) depending on experience
Increases and bonus possible based on performance. Additional compensation is possible for highly experienced
candidates. Medical and dental plan available.
After 6 months you are eligible to accrue 2 weeks annual paid vacation time.
There is no accommodation on the farm, and you will be required to have your own reliable transportation for commuting to work. Temporary farm housing and use of vehicle can be arranged, if required, for transition.
Working Hours
Farm Managers are expected to work at least 40-45 hours a week, work weeks are 5
days, but days of work can change based on farm needs. Farm operations run 14 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Hours can vary and extend during kidding season November to
May as required for the health of the animals. Extended vacations are not supported during kidding season.
What to Expect
• The farm operates 7 days a week as a dairy but is also open to visitors 5 days a week, 8+
hours a day. Operations and Guest service work in synchronized alignment
• The work activities will be primarily outdoors and highly dependent on weather and temperatures
• Tasks during the work week will require the use of farm vehicles
• This position is located at Surfing Goat Dairy, Kula, Hawaii
Website: https://surfinggoatdairy.com/