Skip to content

UW Global navigation

Local navigation

 [Print Friendly Version]

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Position Vacancy ID: 83628
Title: ANIMAL RESEARCH TECH

Working Title:ANIMAL RESEARCH TECH
FTE: 
Schedule - Range:06-09
Organization:COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL & LIFE SCIENCES - MARSHFIELD RESEARCH STATION
Schedule
Comment:
11:00 am - 7:30 pm
Some on-call responsibilities
Required to work every other weekend
Some holiday work may be required

Job Summary:This position will clean, bed, handle, and observe animals in the dairy heifer and lactating cow research operation. This position milks the dairy herd for general routine operations and dairy research. The relief milker will feed and provide general care of newborn calves according to protocol. Duties include care, feeding, and movement of calves. This position will assist in observation, movement, and treatment of cattle to aid the herd health program.

 

Goals and Worker Activities

A.40%Dairy Cattle Facility Sanitation, Cattle Handling, and Observation
1.Remove manure and wet or soiled bedding from stalls in heifer barns, dairy cow barn, and health barn and replace with clean bedding.
2.Groom barns as directed by herdsperson.
3.Operate manure handling system including barn cleaners, agitators, alley scrapers, sand and solid separators, and pumps to remove manure from buildings.
4.Scrape, sweep, and/or wash down feed and dairy cattle traffic lanes.
5.Perform general cleaning and repairs to maintain operation and general appearance of facility.
6.Direct calm, smooth movement of dairy cattle to locations required for research and routine data acquisition or for general movement.
7.Assist with pastured dairy heifers.
8.Assist herdsperson with sick and lame dairy cattle.
   
B.30%Perform Milking of Lactating Dairy Cattle and Maintain Clean Milking Facilities
1.Maintain a quiet, calm atmosphere in the parlor, holding area, and while transporting the cows to and from milking.
2.Bring cows to the holding area and milking parlor from the lactating cow barn and return cows to correct pens following milking.
3.Operate milking equipment in parlor equipped with automatic identification system and automatic takeoff milking units.
4.Prepare cows for milking by thoroughly cleaning teats and checking milk for abnormalities.
5.Follow milking procedure protocol; assure all quarters of the cow are milked out and teats sanitized upon completion of milking.
6.Treat cows with mastitis, cuts, or abrasions as directed by the Assistant Superintendent and/or veterinarian.
7.Obtain milk samples for analysis, as requested.
8.Maintain and record milk weights according to SOPs (standard operating procedure).
9.Clean equipment, parlor, holding area, and milk house to Grade A standards.
10.Wash, dry, and organize cow towels.
   
C.15%Herd Health Assistance
1.Assist in observation of dairy heifers and cows for estrus, sickness, or disability and aid in the administration of care or treatment.
2.Aid in the care and observation of close-up and fresh cattle.
3.Assist in vaccination of dairy heifers and cows as needed.
4.Assist in recording information about fresh cows, heifers, and calves.
   
D.10%Calf Care
1.Care for newborn calves according to protocol.
2.Move calves from health barn to designated calf housing area.
3.Prepare and feed milk to dairy calves.
4.Clean and sanitize all calf feeding equipment.
5.Clean and sanitize calf housing.
6.Provide clean bedding for calf housing.
7.Aid Assistant Superintendent with recordkeeping of calves.
8.Watch maternity pens for cows calving.
9.Assist with calving under the direction of the herdsperson.
   
E.5%Performance of General Work
1.Assist with load, transport and storage of hay, feed, equipment, and bedding material.
2.Assist with feeding the dairy herd.
3.Mow lawn, grade roads, and plow snow as needed for routine facility operation.
4.Perform routine maintenance and repair on facilities, equipment, and fences.
5.Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and Assistant Superintendent.
   

Knowledge and Skills

  1. Successful completion of: -UW Animal User certification -UW Occupational Health and Safety Certification -UW Risk Management certification
  2. Interpersonal skills- must have the ability to communicate through oral and written means in a manner that promotes teamwork with: -Herd Manager -Herdsperson/Veterinarian -Milkers -Researchers and Technicians -Animal Research Technician Staff
  3. Consistently works in a quiet, calm manner around cattle
  4. Understanding of the dairy lactation process
  5. Knowledge of general animal husbandry
  6. Basic understanding of mastitis
  7. Ability to operate computerized equipment necessary to run a milking parlor
  8. Demonstrates accuracy in research sampling techniques
  9. Demonstrates consistent use of proper milking procedures and routine
  10. Skid Steer operation certification
  11. Ability to lift 50 pounds

Other Useful Links
University Of Wisconsin Home PageUW Office Of Human Resources
UW Madison Campus Safety Information
Wisconsin OSER (Office Of State Employment Relations) Home PageOSER State Personnel Information