Animal Care Technician II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

49d•$20

About The Position

The Dairy Cattle Center is part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Agricultural Research Stations at UW-Madison. This industry leading facility is located in the heart of the UW-Madison campus and is home to 84 lactating cows. This facility plays a critical role in supporting the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the university. The capacity for unique, individualized nutrition based research, as well as research on mammary and reproductive physiology, and transition cow management. In addition, the ability for intensive hands-on learning opportunities makes this facility one of a kind. This position is involved in all aspects of research dairy operations, including but not limited to, milking, feeding, cleaning, handling, and animal health observations at the facility. This position must function with close, progressing to limited supervision. The incumbent in this position must work with limited supervision to collect, process, and composite milk samples according to established 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

Nice To Haves

Cattle handling and restraining techniques
Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows
Ability to accurately collect and record experimental samples and measurements
Familiarity and ability to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal appearances and behavior in dairy cattle
Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to farm equipment utilized routinely
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
Clear understanding of the physiology of reproduction and lactation in dairy cattle
Ability to recognize and interpret daily variations in feed intake, milk yield, and body weights
Knowledge of the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle and neo-natal calves
Understanding of the regulations related to the sanitation procedures required in the production of milk for human consumption
Skills in advanced animal care procedures and techniques such as administration of various animal health related drugs, artificial insemination, transition cow management, and neo-natal calf care
Ability to effectively lead others, along with the capacity to work and interact with students, faculty, and the public in a professional manner

Responsibilities

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
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

Benefits

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

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