Job Title:  Dairy Field Representative                                           Status: Exempt

Department: Dairy                                                                          Reports to: Regional Director

Position Summary: The Dairy Field Representative/Certified Milk Inspector is responsible for developing and maintaining National Farmers’ dairy membership in southern Minnesota. This position is responsible for maintaining the highest quality of milk and ensuring our dairy producers pass State and Federal farm inspections by conducting on-farm visits to take milk samples from bulk tanks and inspect milking systems. This position requires coordination of milk routes, facilities, and milk route characteristics with milk haulers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Apply National Farmers sales training to procure new dairy producers on truck routes.
• Maintain an adequate level of knowledge of all National Farmers dairy management programs available in area.
• Participate on weekly procurement calls.
• Conduct on-farm communication with current producers at least three times a year.
• Maintain detailed records of all sales, quality, and miscellaneous calls along with producer quality tests and inspection records.
• Know and understand State, Federal and industry milk quality requirements.
• Have a general understanding of organic certification requirements.
• Submit weekly work plans to Regional Director.
• Report all procurement, quality, and miscellaneous contacts to the Regional Director weekly.
• Communicate official business with State Sanitarians and regulatory personnel.
• Communicate with milk haulers and inspect procedures to define problem areas and develop/implement improvement plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Regional Director.

Job Qualifications: Understand dairy farming practices. Demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Be comfortable working on a computer and have familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particular Outlook and Excel and systems associated with quality reporting. Ideal candidate will be able to work under pressure, independently, and handle multiple tasks and projects. Maintain professional appearance and conduct at all times. Ability to read and follow a navigational device.

Certifications: License and certifications necessary to perform all functions required in handling and testing raw milk. Valid driver’s license with good driving history required.

Education/Experience: High school diploma, secondary degree a plus. A background in agribusiness and/or sales is helpful, but not required.

Work Environment/Physical demands: Works out of a home-based office with travel and some overnight stays required. Minimum 40 hours expected per week with evening, weekend, and some holidays. Physical demands include lifting up to 50lbs., work outdoors and in milking parlors, good vision and work with livestock. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.