Field Representative

Acts as a liaison between the farmer-owners and the cooperative relating but not limited to the production of quality milk, information about and from the cooperative on dairy policy, pricing, government actions and the dairy industry in general. Developing and maintaining excellent customer and member relationships are a priority. Be a key liaison with milk plants regarding shrink and quality issues. Promote and be proud of Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) in the community.

Location: this is a remote based role, and the preferred candidate will live near the Harrisonburg, VA area. This position involves daily car travel to member farms across western Virginia and may require some overnight travel.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide each of your assigned DFA members with the specific services and assistance they need to produce high quality milk, stay abreast of developments in the dairy industry, and obtain the full benefits of being a DFA member/producer. Promptly respond to all producer requests, questions or problems and pass on any pertinent or relevant information to your supervisor/manager.
• Perform routine farm visits as often as required to ensure that farm conditions are such that any state or federal inspections or surveys could achieve a passing score.
• Identify all dairy farmers who are not current members of DFA and introduce them to the programs, benefits and company profile of DFA
• Maintain prospects lists of interested producers and call on them regularly.
• Monitor all aspects of members' milk quality including component test results. Identify all members with problems and provide them prompt technical advice.
• Advise producers on state-of-the-art production practices they can employ to increase their production per cow or expand their dairy operations.
• Be available for after hour calls, on-call duty will be required including some weekends and holidays.
• Maintain constant communications with milk haulers.
• Work with regulatory agencies to ensure that haulers and their equipment are in compliance with all laws and regulations governing milk transport and deliveries. Including inspection dates and current license on all drivers.
• Keep communication lines current and open so that relationships with producers, haulers, customers, competitors, regulatory agencies, or the public can be maintained, developed and improved by all DFA staff.
• Assist other field representatives with plant shrink, regular visits to plants to observe weighing/scaling/sampling of milk trucks
• Become a certified evaluator on FARM in the areas of animal care, workforce development and environmental stewardship
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee; but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agri-business, Dairy/Food Science or related field; or equivalent experience in the dairy industry
• 3 years' of experience in the dairy industry

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient computer skills
• Must have the skills to listen, follow and implement instructions/directives
• Ability to communicate well both orally and written with a broad spectrum of individuals
• Good problem solving ability and judgment
• Ability to understand and analyze issues surrounding the production and transportation of quality milk
• Ability to organize, coordinate and execute job responsibilities in a timely manor
• Ability to understand and implement dairy rules as intended by regulatory agency
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel:

• 75% - 100% (3 weeks per month) travel, company vehicle provided
• Daily travel required
• Overnight travel required frequently
• Employee must live within the geographical area of the Southeast
• Coverage area western Virginia

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Extensive automobile travel required
• Mechanical ability needed to inspect dairy equipment
• Capable of lifting 70 lbs but not repeatedly
• Ability to work in and move around in confined and close areas
• Ability to work in a farm environment that has varied conditions such as temperature or dust.

An Equal Opportunity Employer