Lead Farrowing Technician

PF Services•Murray, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for daily management of the farrowing department by implementing established production procedures and fulfilling Unit Manager responsibilities when the Unit Manager is absent. The role includes supervising and training farrowing staff, organizing production tasks and pig flow, maintaining animal health and facility conditions, completing records and data entry, and supporting unit operations during weekends and emergencies. The position requires work primarily in hog facilities and regular presence in farrowing barns, with strict adherence to biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety requirements.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in swine production.
Ability to work with a variety of personalities to build a successful team.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to occasionally exert 50 to 100 pounds of force to lift or pull an object, with or without assistance.
Ability to sit, walk, stand, talk or hear in person and by telephone, and repetitively use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate equipment.
Ability to frequently bend, squat, stop, and kneel.
Ability to climb a ladder.
Ability to move and work with live animals of various sizes.
Ability to comply with company biosecurity protocols, including shower-in/shower-out procedures and use of required PPE.

Responsibilities

Train and follow up daily with farrowing staff to ensure they follow production SOPs.
Train farrowing employees in proper animal husbandry skills to reduce herd stress and maximize production.
Schedule and prioritize daily and weekly tasks and complete task sheets.
Communicate daily with the Unit Manager about production, animal health, and farrowing personnel issues.
Power wash and perform routine maintenance of the system.
Organize pig flow.
Complete farrowing and wean paperwork accurately and on time.
Monitor and maintain appropriate ventilation and room environments.
Enter data and correct clerical errors.
Communicate non-routine repair needs to the Unit Manager.
Assist with training and orienting new employees.
Perform routine feeder adjustments.
Place feed orders accurately to avoid running short or having spoiled feed.
Identify animals for treatment or euthanasia.
Select and load culls and complete related paperwork accurately.
Participate in answering alarm calls and responding to unit emergencies.
Lead the weekend crew and lead during the Unit Manager’s absence.
Prepare sow cards accurately for weaning, health, and other needs.
Effectively manage budgeted hours for self-supervised staff.
Maintain PQA+ certification.
Complete safety training on time.
Follow animal welfare policies and practices and inform management of staff violations.
Follow biosecurity measures regarding animal movement, visitor access, sanitation, and disease prevention.
Follow all safety rules and practices and ensure others do the same.
Support, promote, and adhere to Passel Farms’ policies, procedures, and values, as well as industry standards.
Maintain regular, punctual, and consistent attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned to fulfill the position’s responsibilities and support team goals.