Job Title: Spring Night Calver
Location: Birr, Co. Offaly
Job Type: Seasonal / Night Work (Spring Calving)
Start Date: February 5th 2026
Reporting To: Farm Owner / Herd Manager
Job Overview:
A dairy farm near Birr, Co. Offaly is seeking an experienced Night Calver to assist during the peak spring calving period. The farm runs approx. 250-cow spring-calving herd.
Night work will be based on calving numbers due each night.
Key Responsibilities:
* Monitor calving cows during night shifts.
* Assist cows during calving where needed, using safe and hygienic methods
* Administer colostrum to new born calves promptly (via bottle or tube)
* Tag & move calves safely to individual pens and record key details
* Prepare fresh bedding in calving pens and calf sheds
* Feed young calves where needed during shift
* Identify and draft freshly calved cows for morning milking
* Spot signs of illness or calving-related issues (e.g. milk fever, retained cleanings) and report as required
* Operate a loader for bedding and feeding tasks
Requirements:
* Experience working in a similar role on a spring-calving dairy farm is essential
* Competence in assisting calving's and handling new born calves
* Strong observational skills to identify cows needing attention
* Ability to work independently during overnight hours
* Full driving licence
* Experience operating a loader or tractor safely
* Good communication skills for daily handover to farm owner / morning staff
* Commitment to animal welfare, hygiene, and biosecurity
Additional Information:
* 11pm-5am
* Ideal for someone local or within reasonable commuting distance to Birr
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term
Contract length: 8 weeks
Pay: €14.15-€16.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Birr, County Offaly: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* calving & calf rearing: 3 years (required)
Language:
* English (required)
Licence/Certification:
* car & tractor licence (required)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Location:
* Birr, County Offaly (required)
Work Location: In person