Animal Care Technician II
About The Position
The Animal Care Technician II works at the UW-Madison Dairy Forage Research Center field facilities, caring for dairy cattle. Core duties include milking cows, feeding calves, and moving cattle to the milking parlor. Other duties may include feeding, cleaning, handling, and providing general care for dairy cattle efficiently and accurately. The employee uses experience and training to complete tasks and care for livestock with limited supervision. The successful candidate demonstrates a positive working attitude, communicates effectively, works well with coworkers and supervisors, and takes initiative. Prior farm experience is preferred, but training is available for candidates who are eager to learn. The position requires working in non-climate-controlled animal housing and outdoors in all weather conditions, and the employee must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Requirements
- Knowledge of dairy cattle handling and animal husbandry principles, and ability and willingness to learn animal health monitoring, recordkeeping, and treatment protocols through on-the-job training.
- Ability to work safely and effectively in an agricultural environment around large livestock, farm equipment, and operational hazards, following safety protocols and using required personal protective equipment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions.
- Team-focused approach, willingness to learn and assist others, and ability to contribute to shared goals.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- High school diploma is preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Prior farm or agricultural work experience, such as general farm labor, agricultural internships, or seasonal agricultural work.
- Experience working with dairy cattle, calves, or other livestock in a farm or research setting.
- Experience operating skid steers, tractors, or other farm and utility equipment.
Responsibilities
- Milk cows, feed calves, and move cattle to the milking parlor.
- Feed, clean, handle, and provide general care for dairy cattle.
- Inventory, clean, and maintain the organization of animal holding spaces and supplies.
- Inspect equipment and report problems to support safe, optimal operation.
- Collect animal samples and administer medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures for diagnostic testing and research.
- Observe animal behavior, provide basic animal care, and report concerns to appropriate personnel to support animal health and research.
- Prepare food and formulas and feed animals according to established schedules and specifications.
- Organize and update records related to research procedures.
Benefits
- Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off.
- Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
- Retirement benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
