Animal Care Technician II - Large Load Feeder

Job Summary

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 facilities include three types of cow barns, calf and heifer housing, a milking center, research and hospital areas, and a feed center flanked by a dozen silos. The facilities were designed for 300 milk cows plus replacements. Calves for the original herd were produced largely through embryo transplantation – a sophisticated technique which allows the production of many calves of the same age and genetic makeup from a single cow.

The Dairy Forage Research Center is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and other land grant universities. It focuses on problems that are national in scope and that limit effective and efficient use of forage for milk production. It coordinates multidisciplinary research involving engineers, microbiologists, chemists and plant and animal scientists at locations in five states. The research is directed toward increasing yields and quality of forage grown and harvested, reducing losses associated with harvesting, storage and feeding, and maximizing use of forage nutrients by the dairy cow for milk production.

This position is mainly a feed mixing/feeding position with occasional duties milking cows, calf feeding, and moving cattle to parlor. Other duties may include 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.

To learn more about the Dairy Forage Research Station, please review their website: https://dairyforage.ars.wisc.edu/.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Department

Dairy Forage Research Center

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $19.00 - $22.00. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. 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

Required Qualifications

• Skills in operating equipment (tractors and skid steers) to perform farm work
• Mechanical and repair experience
• Full training provided during the first year on the job
• Willingness to learn, work hard and contribute positively to the work team
• Effective Communication Skills
• Ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to work safely in an agricultural environment especially as it pertains to working around large equipment and large livestock species
• Basic techniques and principles involved in handling dairy cows

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to recognize and interpret daily variations in feed intake, milk yield, and body weights
• Skills in general maintenance of equipment or the ability to recognize when maintenance is needed
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new equipment and routines as required by research
• Knowledge of the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle and neo-natal calves
• Understanding the regulations related to the sanitation procedures required in the production of milk for human consumption
• Ability to work and interact with students, faculty, and the public in a professional manner

Education

H.S. Diploma Preferred

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/Application Materials:

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

Cover Letter (optional) - Refer to your related work experience

Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.