The full-time DHI Specialist is an integral part of a dairy farm’s professional consulting team. Vast information impacting herd productivity, cattle health, animal welfare, sustainability, and profitability can conveniently and accurately be revealed with just a few ounces of milk. As a DHI Specialist, a major part of this career opportunity will be to advise customers on testing services to support an efficient, healthy, and profitable cow herd. DHI Specialists collect milk samples, process paperwork, and assist dairy farmers with data analysis and decision-making to benefit the future of their operations.
Day-to-day responsibilities:
- Transport DHI-testing equipment and racks with vials to farm;
- Set up and plug in testing meters;
- Computer work editing cows sold, calved, dried up, etc.;
- Visit and enjoy good conversation;
- Accurately collect milk samples and coordinating cow identification;
- Properly identify vials that need diagnostic testing (i.e. milk-pregnancy test, A1/A2, etc.)
- Wash DHI-testing equipment;
- Computer work to check for errors, ensure accuracy, and transfer data to laboratory;
- Invoice customer using company program;
- Organize shipping or delivery (depending on location) of vials to laboratory for component and diagnostic testing;
- Schedule future DHI milk-testing days; and
- Once lab work is complete, assist customer in analyzing test-day data and reports to help with herd management.
- DHI Specialists also spend time with our A.I./genetics business unit working together to prospect and grow business.
Qualifications:
- Animal-agricultural background;
- High-school diploma or equivalent;
- Enjoy the beauty and fresh atmosphere of early mornings;
- Be teachable and willing to learn;
- Outstanding people skills, with service-oriented attitude;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Demonstrates the ability to operate all DHI equipment and supplies according to procedural standards;
- Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, lift, and carry objects up to 50 pounds;
- Strong work ethic, with the ability to work on your own, as well as with a team; and
- Fundamental computer skills with the ability to learn associated software programs.
- Knowledge of DART, DairyComp305, and/or BoviSync is preferred, but not required. We will train.
Compensation:
- Salary to start, then commission;
- Paid training;
- Some flexibility in scheduling;
- Usually no weekend testing;
- Paid time off;
- Health-, dental-, and vision-insurance options;
- Flexible-spending account;
- 401 (k) – retirement savings plan with up to 4% match;
- Company-sponsored life insurance and long-term-disability insurance;
- Optional short-term-disability insurance;
- Continuing-education opportunities;
- Employee-assistance program; and
- Employee-awards program.
- We prefer to promote from within when advancement opportunities arise. Our investment in your training is critical in maintaining that goal.
About CentralStar Cooperative:
CentralStar’s goal of enhancing producer profitability through integrated services is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states.
