Relief Milker - Animal Care Technician II

Current Employees:
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Job Category:

University Staff

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Animal Care Technician II

The Emmons Blaine Arlington Dairy Research Center is part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Agricultural Research Stations at UW-Madison. This industry leading facility was built in 2008, and is home to 500 milking cows, roughly 100 dry cows, and 100 neo-natal calves. This sand bedded freestall dairy facility, in the heart of the Arlington Ag Research Station just 20 miles north of Madison, allows for the completion of pen-based nutrition work, mammary and reproductive physiology research, welfare and behavioral sciences studies, calf growth research, transition cow management projects, and individual animal intake information.

This position is involved in all aspects of the research dairy operations, including but not limited to, milking, feeding, cleaning, animal handling, and animal health observations at the facility. The daily responsibilities will include all activities involved with milking cows, taking and processing composite milk samples, and observing and handling the lactating cows in the research herd. The incumbent in this position must function with close, progressing to limited supervision over time once a clear understanding of the Standard Operating Procedures is developed.

This position requires a high level of attention to detail in order to meet compliance needs of the research facility as well as that of a facility selling a food grade product. The person filling this role will need to be skilled in following written and oral instructions as directed by management and research protocols.

Scheduling for this position will be based on operational need (8-24 hour per week) with a required minimum work schedule to include an every other weekend rotation. The shift times for this position will either be 3:30AM-12:00PM or 1:00PM - 9:30PM. Some holiday assignments will also be required.

• Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research
• 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
• Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
• Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures
• Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies
• Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation

ARS - Emmons Blaine Dairy, Arlington, WI

The minimum pay rate for this position is $19.00 per hour. Final pay rate will depend on experience and qualifications.

• Full training provided during the first year on the job
• Willingness to learn, work hard and contribute positively to the work team
• Effective Communication Skills
• Ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions

• Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows
• Skills in operating equipment to perform farm work

H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

Resume (required) – Detail your educational and professional background

Cover Letter (optional) – Refer to your related work experience

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Andrew Vaudt, HR Generalist (Andrew.Vaudt)