Swine Technician

WFR•Waukon, IA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

This role will also involve working on a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean sow farm. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to learn the ins and outs of the swine industry and gain practical knowledge. This position reports to the Farm Manager.

Requirements

No previous experience required. Must have willingness to learn.
Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
Strong prioritization and organizational skills
Effectively communicate with team members
Frequently stand and walk and be on feet for extended periods, typically 8 to 10 hours a day and longer as production needs require, including on concrete, slatted flooring, and wet or uneven surfaces
Frequently bend, stoop, reach, squat, and kneel to handle, treat, and process animals and to clean and service equipment
Capable to do repeated actions, including sorting, injecting, processing, washing, and scraping
Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull a minimum of 50 lbs., and occasionally more with assistance
Frequently push, pull, and guide animals with a sort board, and safely work in close contact with sows, gilts, and piglets
Occasionally climb stairs and ladders and work in confined or low-clearance areas within the barn
Ability to comply with biosecurity requirements, including showering in and out of the facility and wearing required personal protective equipment
Sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to observe animal condition, read records and labels, and communicate clearly in a noisy barn environment
Ability to tolerate exposure to livestock, animal dander, dust, odors, cleaning chemicals, wet conditions, temperature extremes, and moderate to loud noise

Responsibilities

Learn and apply WFR core values and contribute to a positive culture.
Ensuring all animals are receiving proper feed, water, and ventilation
Complete and assist with daily laundry duties, including washing, drying, and folding clothes for farm.
Complete basic cleaning duties for offices, shower rooms, bathrooms, and supply rooms to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Shipping and receiving animals
Treating animals
Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving
Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
Moving animals with a sort board
Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots
Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
Pen management, culling, sorting
Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
Collect and send blood, saliva, fecal, fluid, and tissue samples for testing as needed.
Perform basic farm maintenance and repairs as needed and promptly report equipment, facility, or infrastructure issues that require additional assistance.
Demonstrate accountability and dependability by arriving on time, completing assigned responsibilities thoroughly, and communicating promptly when tasks cannot be completed as expected.
Work efficiently and prioritize daily responsibilities to ensure animal care, health, welfare, and production needs are met within established timelines.
Complying with safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operating procedures
Remain flexible and willing to assist with changing farm needs, including rotating between production areas, cross-training in different responsibilities, covering shifts, and responding to urgent animal-care or facility needs outside the regular schedule when necessary.
Maintain confidentiality regarding company information, animal health records, production information, biosecurity practices, and other proprietary or confidential information.
Understand & follow WFR’s biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility
Understand & follow WFR’s animal welfare policy
Understand & follow WFR’s handbook and procedures
Work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse team of approximately 3-18 employees, contributing to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
Maintain PQA+ certification