Sow Farm Technician - Granada, MN
About The Position
Wakefield Pork is seeking a dedicated Sow Farm Technician interested in the pork industry and able to contribute to a goal-oriented, team-based operation. The role supports daily swine breeding and farrowing activities. Depending on assignment, duties include breeding and farrowing targets, artificial insemination, semen inventory and delivery, sow and piglet care, herd health and vaccination programs, nutrition, replacement gilt isolation and acclimation, and record keeping. The technician works closely with the Sow Barn Manager, Department Leads, and other Technicians. The role requires respect for team members and animals, clear communication, time-management skills, and the ability to adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with actual hours varying by location, and an every-third-weekend rotation.
Requirements
- Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Regular, consistent attendance.
- Demonstrate respect for team members and animals.
- Demonstrate communication and time-management skills and the ability to adapt and function effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Nice To Haves
- Industry experience is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the highest standards of ethical animal treatment.
- Assist the Department Lead with assigned breeding or farrowing work.
- Conduct artificial breeding (AI) as directed.
- Perform daily estrous checks and check bred groups.
- Perform routine and seasonal vaccinations as directed.
- Assist with monthly inventory counts.
- Perform general feed maintenance on bred and open animals.
- Assist the farrowing department.
- Maintain sow breeding records and documentation, including sow removals, transactions, and treatment records.
- Assist the Department Lead with preparation of pre-farrow rooms.
- Perform farrowing of sows and day-one piglet care.
- Induce sows.
- Ensure piglets are with the correct sow and stall; transfer and size piglets as directed.
- Keep stalls full of lactating sows.
- Process and castrate piglets.
- Feed lactating sows according to protocol.
- Assist with piglet weaning.
- Assist the breeding department.
- Help maintain accurate documentation, including weekly and monthly inventories of sows and piglets.
- Work collaboratively to achieve team goals, embrace new technologies, and contribute to new projects.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Maintain an appropriate animal environment, including ventilation, water, feed, and animal husbandry.
- Maintain PQA Plus and TQA certification status.
- Meet and follow WPI training program requirements and procedures.
- Assist with power washing as assigned.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
- Follow safety rules and practices, encourage coworkers to do the same, and help ensure a safe work environment.
- Follow WPI biosecurity measures.
Benefits
- Paid vacation
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- HSA account
- 401(k) with match
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
