Position Title: Farmer Relations Representative

Organization: Western United Dairies

Location: Mobile / Field-Based – Northern State (Sonoma, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte Counties), primary focus on dairy-producing regions, with travel required across the state; occasional presence at Turlock headquarters

Employment Type: Full-time, exempt

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary Range: Competitive, commensurate with experience, plus benefits

Position Summary Western United Dairies is seeking a dedicated, dairy-savvy professional to serve as Farmer Field Representative in a fully mobile, field-based capacity. This role is essential to our mission of keeping California dairy farmers farming by delivering direct, on-farm technical support, fostering strong member relationships, and assisting farmers with regulatory, environmental, and labor challenges. The successful candidate will spend most of their time traveling to and working with member dairies across the state, thriving in an independent, road-warrior environment while staying connected with headquarters staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned member dairies, conducting regular on-farm visits to provide technical assistance, troubleshooting, regulatory guidance, and best management practice recommendations.
• Support dairy farmers with grant applications, program enrollment, and implementation (e.g., AMMP, DDRDP, Dairy Plus, carbon farm plans, CDFA incentives, and other state/federal opportunities).
• Advance sustainability and conservation initiatives through on-site assessments, planning support, organic certification guidance where necessary, nutrient management planning, and water quality compliance.
• Perform extensive field travel to visit dairies, organize and lead regional workshops, farmer meetings, and training sessions on topics like methane reduction, water efficiency, water quality, labor regulations, and regulatory changes.
• Gather field-level insights from farmers and relay them to internal teams to inform advocacy, policy, and program development in Sacramento and Washington D.C.
• Facilitate and participate in educational programs such as the Dairy Leaders Program.
• Maintain detailed records of farm visits, member interactions, program outcomes, and travel using mobile-friendly tools.
• Represent WUD at industry events, coalitions, and meetings statewide to build partnerships and promote the organization.
• Stay informed on dairy regulations, research, and innovations through ongoing professional development and field observations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Ag Business, or a related field (Degree preferred but not required).
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in the dairy industry, ideally in production, technical/extension services, consulting, or association field work (experience preferred some on the job training will be provided).
• In-depth knowledge of California dairy operations is preferred but not required, including herd management, manure systems, environmental regulations, and production challenges.
• Proven experience with grant writing, incentive program navigation (e.g., CDFA grants), or on-farm technical support is highly desirable.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills; bilingual English/Spanish, English/Portuguese, or English/Dutch strongly preferred to serve diverse membership.
• Highly self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently while traveling extensively (80%+ field time expected).
• Proficiency with mobile devices, Microsoft Office/365, or remote collaboration platforms a plus.
• Valid California driver’s license with clean record; ability and willingness to drive long distances daily/weekly (company vehicle or substantial mileage reimbursement provided).
• Background as a dairy farmer, family member, or close industry ties strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate plus cell phone allowance
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate travel and farm visit needs

Western United Dairies is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in agriculture.

To apply for the Farmer Relations Representative position, please submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter (1 page maximum) explaining your interest in the role, relevant dairy experience, comfort with extensive statewide travel, and passion for supporting California dairy families.
2. Resume/CV highlighting your education, work history, specific accomplishments in dairy technical assistance, regulatory support, farmer outreach, and any field-based or travel-heavy roles.
3. References — Provide contact information for 3 professional references (at least one from a dairy producer or industry colleague preferred).

How to Apply: Fill out the form below and upload your cover letter, Resume/CV, and References (Word and/or PDF formats).

Application Timeline

• Position open until filled (priority review begins on April 5^th ).
• Initial phone/video screenings will occur within 2 weeks of submission.
• Top candidates will be invited for in-person interviews (likely to include a field ride-along, travel simulation discussion, or presentation).
• Anticipated start date: Within 60–90 days of selection, depending on notice periods.

For questions about the role (not applications), contact Anja Raudabaugh, CEO, at anja@wudairies.com

Western United Dairies thanks all applicants and looks forward to welcoming the next mobile team member dedicated to on-the-ground dairy farmer success across California.