Animal Caretaker

IOWA SELECT FARMS LLLP•Holstein, IA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

To work as a team member caring for and administering to sows and piglets to assure optimum productivity. This person will assist where needed working with animals and light facility repair and maintenance.

Requirements

Education/ Experience: None required.
Ability to read and write.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds along with climbing up ladders and over gates.
The employee must be able to continuously repeat necessary movements such as bending, lifting and different hand movements as needed to complete tasks.
Weekend and holiday rotations are a requirement.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual: Not required

Responsibilities

Adhere to ISF bio-security policy at all times and report to management team any violation.
Adhere to ISF animal wellbeing policy at all times and know reporting procedures when incident occurs.
Adhere to ISF safety policies and procedures and wear appropriate safety equipment (PPE) for appropriate tasks and work in a safe manner.
The 3 key responsibilities listed above are all tracked via audits, you play a critical role in the success of audits for the entire farm which also impacts incentive payouts.
Care and management of animals to ensure that:
Animals are properly fed.
Water is available.
Observation of all animals daily and ensuring sick animals are properly treated.
Overall animal conditions are evaluated and maintained.
Follow proper steps for timely euthanasia and be able to identify when it is needed.
Care and management of facilities to ensure that:
Fans, curtains, heaters and other equipment are working properly.
Ventilation equipment is adjusted to provide proper environment.
Facilities are kept clean, including power washing and disinfecting.
Maintain accurate records using ISF forms and protocols.
Procure, administer and dispense medications and vaccinations according to ISF protocols.
Perform heat detection, artificial insemination and pregnancy checks.
Monitor and assist in the farrowing process.
Process, vaccinate and castrate piglets at appropriate times.
Proper handling of chemicals (storage and application).
Setting litters to ISF protocols.
Wean pigs according to farm protocols.
Follow dead removal protocols; including driving farm equipment/tractors and ensure safety and biosecurity procedures are being followed.
Move animals (sows, boars and piglets) using safe handling practices.
All other duties as assigned by manager or supervisor
Demeanor should be positive and professional at all times.
Daily focus should be on welfare of animals, not personal issues.
Attendance is critical. Be at work on scheduled days and be ready to walk into barns by start time given.
Be friendly, positive, helpful, team-oriented and respectful to co-workers and management team.