Animal Technician Dairy Milker, Animal Sciences Farms

Primary Purpose: To perform dairy cow milking and assist with a wide range of activities associated with efficient functioning of the Dairy Unit, animal well-being, teaching and research.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Rayner Teaching and Research Facility, the main responsibility of this position is milking. Other duties may include feeding, cleaning, handling, and basic care of the dairy cattle in an efficient and accurate manner. It involves the use of a truck, skid steer, milking equipment and other equipment, including inspection and cleaning. This is an entry-level position that uses the employee’s willingness to learn to complete the necessary tasks independently with close supervision, advancing to limited supervision. It may involve lifting and moving of heavy feed and other supplies. Working in a facility with large animals, the incumbent is exposed to animal dander, waste and unpredictability. Shift work is involved providing coverage during the day, evenings, weekends and statutory holidays.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Milk, feed, and handle dairy cows under research and teaching conditions in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care;

• Clean parlour and surrounding area;

• Monitor VMS (robot) milking group following standard operating procedures;

• Monitor and assist with calving cows as needed;

• Operate automated feeding and cleaning equipment, as well as farm equipment such as bobcat and truck;

• Attend to equipment inspection, maintenance, and minor repairs.

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report all unsafe activities to supervisor;

• Troubleshoot and report any malfunction of milking equipment or other problems directly to supervisor;

• Maintain good communication and participate in proactive team efforts to achieve unit’s goals;

• Perform various other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Grade 12 diploma required. Post-high school training such as a Diploma in Agriculture is an asset. Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

**Experience:**Experience working in a dairy milking parlor or commercial dairy facility is required. Recent experience working with livestock, taking care of farm animals, including monitoring animal health, feeding, and cleaning animals is required. Experience safely operating farm machinery and equipment is required.

**Skills:**Demonstrated understanding of humane animal care and handling principles; ability to safely operate farm equipment and troubleshoot basic mechanical issues; strong communication skills; ability to interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, researchers and students; ability to work independently; record keeping, organizational, prioritization, and time management skills; and possess the ability to perform heavy physical labour.

For Further information about this posting, please contact Gord Hamm at hamm.gord@usask.ca

Department: Animal Science Farms
Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: The schedule consists of morning, afternoon and evening shifts and involves weekend work and statutory holidays.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.60

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.38 - 23.75 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Facility Services

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 10/1/2025

Closing Date: 10/7/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

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