Agricultural Equipment Operator

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.

The individual filling this position will work independently to accurately prepare, blend, and deliver cow rations with strict attention to detail and weight measurements. Doing this will require the operation of large equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, vertical mixers, commodity bins, and skidloaders. This individual will also be responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operation of the sand reclamation system to ensure high quality recycled bedding material is available for use, as well as assisting the herd health team when operational need calls for it. The incumbent must be skilled at following written and oral instructions as directed by management and research protocols. The individual in this role must be able to work independently, and communicate effectively with lead workers, management, and veterinary staff on their impressions of overall feed quality, nutritional status, and general animal health and well-being.

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.

• 50% Operates, cleans, and repairs basic agricultural machines and equipment to ensure safety and operable functionality and to adhere to established rules, policies, and regulations
• 10% Stages equipment and machines in preparation of agricultural activities
• 15% Maintains organization of designated facilities and associated supplies, notifies appropriate entities of damaged materials or the need for supply replenishment
• 5% Documents completion of duties according to established policies and procedures
• 20% Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications

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

Preferred
H.S. Diploma

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

This part-time position will require a commitment equal to or greater than an every other weekend schedule rotation. Standard shift time for this position will be a ten hour shift from 4:30AM - 3:00PM, with the possibility of a shorter 6-8 hour shift available for high quality candidates. Opportunities for additional shifts during the week may be available if desired by the chosen candidate.

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated work location in Arlington, Wisconsin (Zip Code: 53911).

Terminal appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended based on need and/or funding.

Minimum $20.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications

Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Position requires walking/standing 70% of the time and frequent bending and twisting. Must be able to respond quickly to actions of 100 - 1,800 pound animals to prevent accidents. Physical ability to lift, sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist, and push to safely work around large equipment and livestock. Experience operating large equipment is preferred and knowledge of agricultural production facilities is highly regarded.

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.

Jessica Cederquist
cederquist@wisc.edu
608-265-8957
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Agricultural Equipment Opr I(FP001)

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/ANIMAL & DAIRY/DAIRY HERD

Temporary Employment

308287-CL