Animal Care Farm Relief Technician

Arlington, Wisconsin


Employer: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Industry: Animal Care Services
Salary: $18.50 per hour
Job type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
The Emmons Blaine Arlington Dairy Research Center is part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Department of Animal and Dairy Science 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, calf care, research data collection, and animal health observations. The incumbent in this position will be trained to provide relief coverage to all areas of the farms daily operation, and must be able to work with limited supervision in each area. Some of these responsibilities will include all activities involved with milking cows, taking and processing composite milk samples, and observing and handling the lactating cows in the herd. In addition, this person will accurately prepare, blend, and deliver feed to mature cattle, as well as neo-natal calves. The incumbent in this role will assist with the healthcare needs of research cattle on farm, including the pre- and peri-parturient cows and the neo-natal calves. This position will require this person to be skilled in following written and oral instructions as directed by management and research protocols, and this person must maintain a high level of organization to ensure complete understanding of the variable workload.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. At CALS, we acknowledge that bias, prejudice, racism, and hate have historically occurred in many forms that cause significant and lasting harm to members of our community. We commit to taking actions each day toward a college that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
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.
  • 20% Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research
  • 10% Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies
  • 20% Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
  • 10% Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation
  • 20% Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures
  • 20% 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:
-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

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:
-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
Work Schedule:
Due to the nature of this position providing relief work to all areas of the farm when other staff are off, scheduling for this position will be variable based on operational need. All employees at the farm are required to work an every other weekend rotation and some holiday assignments. This person is expected to work 40 hours per week, with a choice of five 8 hour work days or four 10 hour work days including that of the weekend rotation. The intended general shift assignment will be from 4:30 AM - 1:00 PM (8 hour shift) or 3:00 PM (10 hour shift) for a morning commitment, or for afternoons from 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM (8 hour shift) or 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (10 hour shift). Shift times may flex earlier or later by up to 2 hours in order to accommodate the required tasks of this relief position.
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 (Zip code: 53911).
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $18.50 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as vacation and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefit information 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
cederquist@wisc.edu
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/ANIMAL & DAIRY/DAIRY HERD
Employment Class:
University Staff-Ongoing
Job Number:
300463-CP

Created: 2024-06-09
Reference: 300463-CP
Country: United States
State: Wisconsin
City: Arlington