Animal Care Technician II

University Staff

Regular

Animal Care Technician II

Tucked in a bend of the Wisconsin River about 30 miles north of Madison, the field facilities of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center are a catalog of current dairy technology.

This position is a feed mixing/feeding position for cows and calves with occasional duties milking cows, and moving cattle to parlor. Other duties may include cleaning, handling, and general care of the dairy cattle in an efficient and accurate manner. This position uses the employee’s experience and training to complete tasks and to care for livestock with limited supervision.

To be successful in this position you must also exhibit a positive working attitude, communicate well and develop a good working relationship with co-workers and supervisors and show initiative to see what needs to be done and to get it done. Previous farm experience is preferred, though we are willing to train a candidate desiring to learn.

Please see more about the Dairy Forage Research Center here: /

• 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
• 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

UW-Madison Dairy Forage Research Center

The starting salary for the position is $20.00/hr.;
Final pay rate 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Experience operating skid steers, tractors, or other farm and utility equipment (e.g., using a skid steer to clean pens, move feed, or transport materials)
• Prior farm or agricultural work experience (e.g., general farm labor, agricultural internships, or seasonal agricultural work)
• Ability to work safely and effectively in an agricultural environment, including around large livestock, farm equipment, and operational hazards (e.g., following safety protocols when working near cattle, skid steers, or uneven surfaces, and using PPE as required)

• Knowledge of dairy cattle handling and animal husbandry principles, with the ability and willingness to learn animal health monitoring, recordkeeping, and treatment protocols through on the job training. (e.g., safely moving and handling cows, observing changes in behavior or appetite, and learning to document health observations as trained)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions. (e.g., accurately following written procedures or communicating concerns or task completion to a supervisor)
• Team focused approach with a willingness to learn, assist others, and contribute to shared goals.

This is a morning position hours of work are 3:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4…