Animal Care Technician - Ivanhoe, MN

Christensen Farms • Ivanhoe, MN

1d

About The Position

Christensen Farms is hiring an Animal Care Technician to support its Farrowing and Breeding departments. This hands-on position is responsible for daily animal care and barn operations, helping ensure the health, comfort, and well-being of the swine herd. The role suits someone reliable and hardworking who is comfortable in a fast-paced, physical environment and committed to animal welfare, attention to detail, biosecurity, and safety.

The position starts at $21 per hour and averages 40–43 hours per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a rotating weekend; employees scheduled to work a weekend receive a scheduled weekday off. Hours may vary. The position reports to the Sow Farm Manager. Eligible newly hired Animal Care Technicians may receive a $2,500 sign-on and retention bonus.

Requirements

• Reliability and a strong work ethic, including preparedness and precision in daily tasks.
• Physical readiness and resilience to meet the demands of barn work while maintaining high standards of animal care.
• Ability to follow established protocols and standard operating procedures with attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to biosecurity measures, animal welfare standards, safety, and company policies.

Nice To Haves

• Eagerness to learn, take direction, and grow in the livestock industry through hands-on experience and structured training.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily feed and water to animals to maintain consistent health and nutrition.
• Heat-check and breed sows in heat according to the daily schedule, and perform gilt heat induction following established protocols.
• Process piglets by castrating, tail docking, and administering iron and antibiotics.
• Assist with farrowing and litter care, including ensuring piglets are kept warm.
• Monitor sows and litters daily, identify health issues, provide treatments, and support animal well-being.
• Maintain sanitation by cleaning, disinfecting, and draining pits.
• Handle animal movements and assist with weaning.
• Keep accurate records and follow biosecurity and safety protocols.

Benefits

• $2,500 sign-on and retention bonus for eligible newly hired Animal Care Technicians.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off bank.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed