Entry-Level Swine Genetic Technician Assistant

Christensen Farms; Pierre (SD); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision plan

401(k)

Job summary

Christensen Farms is seeking an Assistant Genetic Technician to support genetic evaluation and live-animal testing across multiple sites. You will assist with pig flows, record genetic data, and help maintain program integrity while learning under supervision.

This entry-level role emphasizes training over three weeks with a Genetic Technician before taking on responsibilities, with focus on biosecurity, animal welfare, and accurate documentation in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in agriculture or animal science.
• At least 1 year of swine production experience; genetic information experience preferred.
• Strong time management and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct live-animal genetic testing including leg scoring, muscle scoring, puberty data collection, weighing, and ultrasound scanning for backfat and loin depth.
• Select gilts and boars based on phenotypic quality, underline evaluation, and structural soundness.
• Manage animal flows to and from grow-out units, ensuring proper separation and tracking of genetic lines.
• Record, track, and maintain accurate genetic and performance data, including pen card management and monthly reports.
• Coordinate logistics of pig movement, marketing schedules, and hauling needs with biosecurity in mind.
• Support tasks such as sorting, shipping, marking pigs for sale, treating and vaccinating animals, ventilation adjustments, and cleaning.
• Identify and treat sick or injured animals, perform bleeding and diagnostics, and arrange timely euthanasia when required.
• Communicate with supervisors and production teams regarding scheduling, health issues, and record requirements.
• Vaccine administration and management.
• Managing Heat Induction Program.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Recordkeeping and data entry

Time management

Communication skills

Independent work

Biosecurity and safety

Animal welfare awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or animal science

Job description

Christensen Farms is seeking an Assistant Genetic Technician to support genetic evaluation and live-animal testing across multiple sites. You will assist with pig flows, record genetic data, and help maintain program integrity while learning under supervision.

This entry-level role emphasizes training over three weeks with a Genetic Technician before taking on responsibilities, with focus on biosecurity, animal welfare, and accurate documentation in a fast-paced production environment.