Field Representative II

General Purpose

 

Provide regular personal contact and service to all members within a field territory in order to maintain and grow the milk supply, ensure a continuous interstate milk shippers (IMS) rated farm supply of milk, improve the quality of milk, identify and help resolve member issues on the farm, and administer Area policies and programs at the member level. Promote value-added programs and services and important Cooperative initiatives. Communicate regularly and effectively with the membership management team. Actively support and promote DFA in the community.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct required regulatory inspections to include state, regional, federal, and industry requirements
• Develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with farm members in assigned area. Serve as a strong advocate for the total value of cooperative membership
• Provide valued-added advice and guidance as well as technical direction to producers on all matters concerning milk production, productivity, quality, facility sanitation, and safety issues
• Promote the overall value of the Farm Services by recommending and endorsing the utilization of the appropriate services. Remain current on all Farm Services resources and offerings available to members
• Maintain working knowledge of the following areas to include (but not limited to):
  • Federal orders, milk pricing, PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance), and state regulations
  • Regulatory and laboratory testing requirements and procedures including proper sampling techniques
  • Drug residues and information related to approved drugs
  • Milking system designs and the cleaning and maintenance of the systems
  • Water systems design, sources, issues affecting quality, and treatment options
  • Transportation of milk including pick up and unloading
  • Industry issues and cooperative initiatives
• Serve as the area leader and focal point for relationships with important industry contacts, key community leaders, relations with processors, and other cooperatives
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with DFA’s stakeholders, including members and non-members, haulers, appropriate milk plant personnel, and regulatory authorities throughout the assigned area

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in agriculture, agri-business, animal science, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 2 to 5 years of field representative, dairy farming, dairy industry, or related experience
• Certification and/or License – Certified Milk Inspector, Sampler’s License, FARM Evaluator Training, Valid Driver’s License; additional certifications and/or licenses may be required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to demonstrate good technical knowledge gained through training and experience in all aspects of milk production such as milking system evaluation, cleaning and sanitizing evaluation, mastitis prevention, milk hauling, milk marketing, milk quality troubleshooting, and membership solicitation
• Able to anticipate and prepare for business needs and complete assignments and initiatives
• Able to readily adjust approach to accommodate changing situations and respond resourcefully to new demands or circumstances
• Able to develop and maintain a wide network of strategic internal and external relationships to build confidence, trust, and respect with others and to increase competitive advantage
• Able to exchange information in a clear, concise manner appropriate for the audience; able to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
• Able to focus efforts on understanding and meeting internal and external customer needs
• Able to analyze relevant information and alternatives to reach conclusions that are in the best interests of DFA
• Able to continually drive for success; set high expectations for personal and organizational performance and work efficiently and creatively to meet goals
• Able to impact the perceptions and decisions of others to advance the intere