Animal Care Technician II

The Dairy Cattle Center is part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Agricultural Research Stations at UW-Madison. This industry leading facility is located in the heart of the UW-Madison campus and is home to 84 lactating cows. This facility plays a critical role in supporting the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the university. The capacity for unique, individualized nutrition based research, as well as research on mammary and reproductive physiology, and transition cow management. In addition, the ability for intensive hands-on learning opportunities makes this facility one of a kind.

This position is involved in all aspects of research dairy operations, including but not limited to, milking, feeding, cleaning, handling, and animal health observations at the facility. This position must function with close, progressing to limited supervision. The incumbent in this position must work with limited supervision to collect, process, and composite milk samples according to established standard operating procedures.

• Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation

• Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies

• Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures

• Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications

• Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals and promote research

• Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research

ARS - Dairy Cattle Center, Madison, WI

The minimum salary for this position is $20.00 per hour, however, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

• All necessary skills and knowledge will be taught during the first year on the job
• A positive attitude and commitment to learning about the care of dairy cattle
• Willingness to work hard and contribute positively to the work team
• Skills in communicating with fellow co-workers, the management team, faculty, and visitors in a professional manner

• Cattle handling and restraining techniques
• Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows
• Ability to accurately collect and record experimental samples and measurements
• Familiarity and ability to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal appearances and behavior in dairy cattle
• Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to farm equipment utilized routinely
• Skills in operating equipment related to farm work, or a willingness to learn them
• Ability to interpret, understand, and follow both written and oral instructions pertaining to research and the management protocols of the facility
• Clear understanding of the physiology of reproduction and lactation in dairy cattle
• Ability to recognize and interpret daily variations in feed intake, milk yield, and body weights
• Knowledge of the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle and neo-natal calves
• Understanding of the regulations related to the sanitation procedures required in the production of milk for human consumption
• Skills in advanced animal care procedures and techniques such as administration of various animal health related drugs, artificial insemination, transition cow management, and neo-natal calf care
• Ability to effectively lead others, along with the capacity to work and interact with students, faculty, and the public in a professional manner

H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field.

It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Schedule:

Work schedule will vary based on operational need with normal shift hours from 3:30AM - 12:00PM, four days a week, with a rotating every other weekend requirement.

Justin Cave, HR Generalist (justin.cave@wisc.edu or 608-263-3715)

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