Animal Care Technician II
About The Position
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. The duties of the PM Animal Care Technician II will be milking cows, calf feeding, and moving cattle to parlor. Other duties may include feeding, 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. For more information about the Dairy Forage Research Center, please visit https://dairyforage.ars.wisc.edu/.
Requirements
- 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).
- 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)
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Prior farm or agricultural work experience (e.g., general farm labor, agricultural internships, or seasonal agricultural work)
- Previous experience working with dairy cattle, calves, or other livestock in a farm or research setting (e.g., feeding, bedding, monitoring animal health, or assisting with herd movement)
- 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)
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- generous vacation
- holidays
- paid time off
- competitive insurances
- savings accounts
- retirement benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
