Animal Care Technician II

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dairy Cattle Center, part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Animal Research Stations at UW-Madison, is a leading facility housing 84 lactating cows. It is crucial for supporting the university's teaching, research, and outreach missions, enabling unique, individualized nutrition-based research, as well as research on mammary and reproductive physiology, and transition cow management. The facility also provides intensive hands-on learning opportunities. This position is involved in all aspects of research dairy operations, including milking, feeding, cleaning, handling, and animal health observations. The role requires functioning with close, progressing to limited supervision, and involves collecting, processing, and compositing milk samples according to standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• 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
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Cattle handling and restraining techniques
• Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows
• Familiarity and ability to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal appearances and behavior in dairy cattle or other livestock
• 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
• Ability to effectively work and interact with students, faculty, and the public in a professional manner

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• generous vacation
• holidays
• paid time off
• competitive insurances
• savings accounts
• retirement benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED