Animal Care Technician - Lafayette, MN

Christensen Farms•Lafayette, MN

About The Position

Christensen Farms is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Technician to support its Farrowing and Breeding departments in Lafayette, Minnesota. This hands-on role supports daily animal care and barn operations, with a focus on the health, comfort, and well-being of the swine herd. The position requires reliability, physical readiness, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity, and safety. Structured training and opportunities to grow through hands-on livestock industry experience are offered. 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 rotating weekend work. Employees working a weekend receive a scheduled day off during the week. Eligible newly hired Animal Care Technicians may receive a $2,500 sign-on and retention bonus.

Requirements

Demonstrate consistent reliability and a strong work ethic, including preparedness and precision in daily tasks.
Be physically ready and resilient to handle the demands of barn work while maintaining high standards of animal care.
Follow established protocols and standard operating procedures with attention to detail across feeding, breeding, and sanitation.
Show willingness to learn, take direction, and grow through hands-on experience and structured training.
Demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills.
Uphold biosecurity measures, animal welfare standards, and company policies.

Responsibilities

Provide feed and water to animals daily to support their health and nutrition.
Heat-check and breed sows 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, litter care, and keeping piglets 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).