Objective

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for the daily care, health, and welfare of pigs in a swine production facility. This role involves performing tasks related to animal husbandry, health management, feeding, breeding, and facility maintenance to ensure the highest standards of swine production.

Role and Responsibilities

• Learn and monitor the health and well-being of swine, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and care.
• Follow all production protocols and procedures to maximize sow and gilt production & efficiencies.
• Administer vaccinations, medications, and other health treatments as directed.
• Ensure pigs have access to adequate feed, air and water.
• Monitor feed intake and adjust feeding programs as necessary.
• Identify and report signs of illness or injury, following proper protocols for treatment.
• Assist with farrowing (birthing) and newborn piglet care, including feeding and processing.
• Assist in breeding activities, including artificial insemination and pregnancy checks.
• Monitor sows during gestation and farrowing to ensure a healthy process.
• Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in barns, pens, and other facilities.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in swine production.
• Maintain accurate records of animal health, treatments, and performance in a timely manner
• Communicate effectively with the employee and the farm management
• Follow animal welfare, biosecurity regulations and company policies.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• No experience required.
• Experience in animal husbandry or swine production is preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.

Work Environment

• Exposure to loud noises, odors, and varying temperatures.
• Working with live animals in close quarters.

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and ability to be on feet 8 to 10 hours per day
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, and kneeling
• Frequent use of one or both hands/arms to grasp or pull
• Frequent lifting of objects weighing 3-20 pounds
• Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or requiring up to 50 pounds of force to move
• Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 100 pounds or requiring up to 100 pounds of force to move with the assistance of another person as needed
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Must be able to print and/or write legibly

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed
• Must have reliable method of transportation to get to work