Animal Care Technician II - Milker

University of Wisconsin Madison; Town of Arlington (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Emmons Blaine Arlington Dairy Research Center at UW-Madison seeks an Animal Care Technician II to assist in dairy research operations. Responsibilities include milking, feeding, and maintaining animal health. The role involves close supervision initially, transitioning to more independence as proficiency develops. Candidates should possess effective communication skills and a willingness to learn. This full-time position requires physical capability to handle heavy animals and operate farm equipment.

Benefits

Generous vacation

Paid time off

Competitive insurances

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Full training provided during the first year on the job.
• Ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples and administers medications according to established protocols.
• Observes animal behavior and performs basic animal care.
• Maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies.

Skills

Effective Communication Skills

Willingness to learn

Education

H.S. Diploma

Tools

Basic techniques in milking dairy cows

Job description

Job Summary:

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.

Responsibilities:
Collects samples and administers medication and treatments, in addition to feeding and maintenance responsibilities, to ensure compliance with animal care regulations and support research and instruction.

• 10% Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research


• 20% Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies


• 10% Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation


• 10% Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures


• 50% 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

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred
H.S. Diploma

Qualifications:

Required Knowledge & Skills:
-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

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:
-Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows
-Skills in operating equipment to perform farm work

Work Schedule:

Scheduling for this position will be based on operational need to include 40 hours per week with five 8 hour days and a rotating every other weekend schedule. The shift times for this position will be 3:30AM - 12:00PM OR 1:00PM - 9:30PM. Some holiday assignments will also be required.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated work location in Arlington, Wisconsin (WI Zip Code: 53911).

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $18.50 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
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

Additional Information:

Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Position requires frequent bending and twisting, along with repetitive motions of hands, wrists, and arms. Must be able to respond quickly to actions of 300-1400 pound animals to prevent being stepped on and/or pinned against a gate.

How to Apply:

Please click "Apply Now" to start the application process. You will be required to submit a resume for consideration. If you would like, you may also upload a cover letter. Your resume or cover letter should highlight your experience and skills as they relate to the listed qualifications for maximum consideration.

Contact:

Jessica Cederquist
[e-mail]
608-265-8957
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Animal Care Technician II(AN009)

Department(s):

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/AG RES STA/IC/BLAINEDAIRY

Employment Class:

University Staff-Ongoing

Job Number:

314649-CP

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.