Dairy Welfare Lead-Southwest

job purpose:

The Dairy Welfare Lead is responsible for implementing the vision, mission, and strategy of fairlife's animal welfare programs in partnership with dairy farms supplying our southwest regions. We are looking for a candidate who has dairy experience and a understanding of cattle welfare. Animal Science or equivalent preferred with strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively translate animal welfare principles into practical, on-farm actions and improvements. In addition, this role would work cross-functionally with our dairy sustainability, milk procurement and communications teams.

responsibilities:

1. Animal Welfare Oversight:
   
   
   
   1. Lead and implement fairlife's animal welfare initiatives and programs in the Southwest region (AZ).
   2. Conduct regular assessments of the health, living conditions, and treatment of dairy cattle.
   3. Monitor and analyze data to identify areas for improvement in animal care and welfare.
   
   
   
   
2. Farm-Level Implementation:
   
   
   
   1. Collaborate with co-ops, farm owners/managers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders to implement fairlife's animal welfare program.
   2. Provide guidance and training opportunities to farm personnel to ensure compliance with animal welfare best practices.
   3. Foster a culture of animal care and empathy on our partner farms.
   
   
   
   
3. Research and Continuous Improvement:
   
   
   
   1. Stay current with industry developments and emerging best practices, as well as local and national regulations related to dairy cattle welfare.
   2. Identify opportunities for innovation and research to enhance animal well-being and operational efficiency.
   
   
   
   

skills/qualifications required:

• Animal Science degree (or other relevant experience) with a focus on dairy cattle health and welfare.
• Ability to coordinate site visits, organize data and communicate with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with or on modern dairy facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of animal welfare principles, practices, and assessments.
• PACCO-certified animal welfare auditor or willing to achieve certification.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to effectively educate and collaborate with co-ops and farm personnel.
• Strong commitment to ethical and sustainable dairy farming practices.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

position location: Phoenix, AZ

reports to: Sr. Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainable Farming

travel requirements: 25-50%