Boar Stud Animal Care Technician

Christensen Farms; Greenup (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On & Retention Bonus

Job summary

Christensen Farms is seeking an entry-level Animal Care Technician to join our boar stud operation. You will collect semen from boars, bag and prepare samples for shipping, and assist with lab tasks in a clean, safety-conscious environment.

Responsibilities include feeding and caring for animals, maintaining records, performing site sanitation, and adhering to bio-security procedures. A valid MVR may be required; on-site work with potential sign-on bonus of $2,500.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position with no formal education requirement.
• 0-1 year of prior animal-handling experience preferred but not required.
• Must be able to operate company vehicle and meet MVR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, and treat animals per SOPs.
• Collect semen from boars; bag and prepare semen for shipment.
• Prepare PCR samples for bleeding and assist with diagnostics.
• Recordkeeping and verifying collection lists.
• Perform site sanitation and barn maintenance.
• Observe bio-security protocols and safety standards.

Skills

Animal care

Recordkeeping

Biosecurity

Lab support

Tools

MAPS machine

VSP equipment

Job description

Christensen Farms is one of the largest, family‑owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and South Dakota. Christensen Farms owns four feed mills, manages 145,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow‑finish sites. The company employs nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships.

The company is vertically integrated with a strong presence across the pork value chain – from farm to fork. Christensen Farms is the largest shareholder of Triumph Foods LLC, a producer‑owned primary pork processing plant in St. Joseph, Missouri. In turn, Triumph Foods members own 50 percent of Daily's Premium Meats, a specialty pork processor of bacon and other premium pork products. Triumph Foods also holds a 50 percent partnership in Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC of Sioux City, Iowa, a primary pork processing plant.

Position Overview & Responsibilities:

This position is an entry‑level production position that has responsibility for collecting semen from the boars and bagging and preparing the semen to be shipped to the appropriate location.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Feeding, watering and treatment of the animals according to company SOP's.
• Collecting semen from boars.
• Bagging of semen using the mini VSP or MAPS machine.
• Pack, prepare, and label semen to be shipped.
• Prepare PCR (Pulmonary Chain Reaction) samples for bleeding.
• Assist with the bleeding and diagnostics process.
• Recordkeeping to check the collection list to boars.
• Cleaning of the lab and office areas.
• Perform site sanitation, including power washing.
• Perform preventative barn maintenance according to maintenance schedule.
• Ensure timely euthanasia.
• Maintain safety standards at all times.
• Observe and maintain bio‑security protocols.

Education, Training, and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum formal education required: None
• Minimum number of years of prior job experience required: Entry level, 0-1 year
• Specialized Training Requirements: None
• Other Technical Skills: None

Supervision of Others:

Direct Reports:

Indirect Reports: None

Reports to:

• Boar Stud Farm Manager
  

Specialized or Motorized Equipment and/or Tools:

This position will require operating a company vehicle, or mileage reimbursement. Any employment offer for this position is contingent upon the review of your motor vehicle record (MVR). The MVR will be reviewed to determine insurability based on CFF's insurance carrier and company policy.

Vehicle Licensing Requirements: Class D

Sign‑On & Retention Bonus:

Christensen Farms is offering a Sign‑On & Retention Bonus of $2,500 for all eligible newly‑hired Animal Care Technicians.

This job description is not intended to limit the responsibilities of an employee assigned to this position to those duties listed above. The employee is expected to follow any other instructions and perform any other duties requested by the immediate supervisor or company management. The level of involvement may vary based on company and individual capabilities.