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 inc the dairy and retail / agritourism. 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 / short term farm housing and use of vehicle could be arranged, if required, for relocation / 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
How to Apply
Qualified applicants, send your current resume to the farm manager at
jgarnett@whitefishgroup.com Your resume will be reviewed, and you be contacted if you
qualify.