Animal Care Technician II - Milker

Emmons Blaine Arlington Dairy Research Center, part of the Integrated Dairy Facilities for the Agricultural Research Stations at UW-Madison, is an industry-leading facility built in 2008. It houses 500 milking cows, roughly 100 dry cows, and 100 neonatal calves. This sand-bedded freestall dairy facility supports 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.

About the role

This position involves all aspects of research dairy operations, including milking, feeding, cleaning, animal handling, and animal health observations. Daily responsibilities include milking cows, processing composite milk samples, and handling lactating cows in the research herd. The role requires close supervision initially, progressing to limited supervision as proficiency with Standard Operating Procedures is developed. High attention to detail is essential to meet compliance needs for both research and food-grade product standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
• Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to contribute to animal health and research
• Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols
• Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation
• Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies
• Maintains and updates records related to research procedures

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (preferred)
• Basic techniques and principles involved in milking dairy cows (preferred)
• Skills in operating equipment to perform farm work (preferred)

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off
• Competitive insurance and savings accounts
• Retirement benefits

Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

Schedule

This position requires 40 hours per week with five 8-hour days, including one weekday off and a rotating every-other-weekend schedule. Shift hours are 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Some holiday assignments will also be required.