Wean-Finish Technician

Schwartz Farms, Inc.•Saint James, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Wean-Finish Technician. Schwartz Farms, Inc. Saint James, MN. Responsible for animal care, health, and efficiencies in the wean-to-finish stage of production. Evaluate breeding practices and assist in development of breeding schedules. Conduct heat checks, select animals to be bred, and check bred groups for recycles. Assist in the preparation of pre-farrow rooms, hallways, and heat lamps. Oversee induction and treatment of sows during farrowing process. Analyze farrowing records and documentation on sow and piglet inventory, transactions and treatment records. Ensure proper execution of day one pig care. Maintain PQA certification status; engage in continuous education and training opportunities. Advocate and participate in the development and implementation of Schwartz Farms' animal welfare policy as it relates to breeding, farrowing and weaning. Assess the well-being of animals and ensure appropriate treatment of the animals during animal breeding, farrowing and weaning/finishing processes. Ensure routine and seasonal vaccinations for pigs at all stages of development. Identify piglets that require a nurse sow or litter swap. Monitor and evaluate herd health and welfare on a daily basis. Treat and work with sick and injured animals; vaccinate animals; and provide daily care to animals. Oversee general feed maintenance on bred and open animals. Analyze and ensure appropriate feeding schedules to ensure nutritional requirements are met; monitor and accurately determine feed levels; coordinate with Supervisor and Feed Procurement Specialist on feed issues. Ensure appropriate watering of animals. Report any findings of pit foaming or crusting to Supervisor. Analyze and monitor data on pig size and growth. Recommend transfer of piglets as needed to ensure appropriate growth of the animals. Monitor and manage lactating sow placement. Assess ventilation; test site generators and record results. Assist with animal movement; ensuring animals are safely moved in accordance with established procedures. Ensure all bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforced. Ensure alarm systems are working properly; respond to alarm calls at assigned sites. Oversee general barn maintenance to ensure animal welfare. Travel required for approximately 13% of the work day to locations in Lewisville, MN, St. James, MN, Butterfield, MN, Ormsby, MN, Madelia, MN, and Hanska, MN. $47,403.00 per year.

Requirements

Two years of experience in any position in swine production
Demonstrated knowledge of swine production systems, animal welfare regulations, and pork industry standards
Experience may be gained in a post-secondary educational program

Responsibilities

Animal care, health, and efficiencies in the wean-to-finish stage of production
Evaluate breeding practices and assist in development of breeding schedules
Conduct heat checks, select animals to be bred, and check bred groups for recycles
Assist in the preparation of pre-farrow rooms, hallways, and heat lamps
Oversee induction and treatment of sows during farrowing process
Analyze farrowing records and documentation on sow and piglet inventory, transactions and treatment records
Ensure proper execution of day one pig care
Maintain PQA certification status; engage in continuous education and training opportunities
Advocate and participate in the development and implementation of Schwartz Farms' animal welfare policy as it relates to breeding, farrowing and weaning
Assess the well-being of animals and ensure appropriate treatment of the animals during animal breeding, farrowing and weaning/finishing processes
Ensure routine and seasonal vaccinations for pigs at all stages of development
Identify piglets that require a nurse sow or litter swap
Monitor and evaluate herd health and welfare on a daily basis
Treat and work with sick and injured animals; vaccinate animals; and provide daily care to animals
Oversee general feed maintenance on bred and open animals
Analyze and ensure appropriate feeding schedules to ensure nutritional requirements are met; monitor and accurately determine feed levels; coordinate with Supervisor and Feed Procurement Specialist on feed issues
Ensure appropriate watering of animals
Report any findings of pit foaming or crusting to Supervisor
Analyze and monitor data on pig size and growth
Recommend transfer of piglets as needed to ensure appropriate growth of the animals
Monitor and manage lactating sow placement
Assess ventilation; test site generators and record results
Assist with animal movement; ensuring animals are safely moved in accordance with established procedures
Ensure all bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforced
Ensure alarm systems are working properly; respond to alarm calls at assigned sites
Oversee general barn maintenance to ensure animal welfare