Farrowing Lead

Belstra Milling Company; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage based on experience

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holiday pay

Retirement plan option

Retirement plan option

Job summary

A local agricultural organization is seeking a Farrowing Lead to oversee daily operations in the farrowing department. The role involves supervising staff, ensuring animal health and wellness, and maintaining detailed production records. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and experience with swine and must be able to communicate effectively. Offering competitive wages and benefits, this position plays a crucial role in enhancing piglet survivability and sow well-being in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with swine is preferred.
• Must have a reliable method of transportation to work.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the farrowing department.
• Lead the farrowing team in animal care and processing.
• Ensure all paperwork in the farrowing area is completed accurately.
• Assist with scheduling and workload tasks for farrowing technicians.
• Monitor and maintain environmental conditions in the farrowing rooms.
• Ensure timely processing of piglets (iron shots, tail docking, castration, etc.).
• Provide input to farm manager on production, animal health, and employee issues.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and safe work culture.
• Ensure employees are trained on paperwork and maintain production records.

Skills

Animal husbandry skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Communication (verbal and written)

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Farrowing Lead Objective

The Farrowing Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the farrowing department, ensuring care of sows and piglets during the farrowing and lactation phases. This role requires strong animal husbandry skills, attention to detail and the ability to lead and train a team to ensure excellent piglet survivability, sow health, and facility cleanliness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including but not limited to)

Lead and develop farrowing team

• Oversee all activities in the farrowing department, including farrowing, piglet processing, piglet care, and weaning.
• Monitor sows closely for signs of farrowing and intervene when necessary
• Supervise and train farrowing staff in animal husbandry, standard operating procedures, and biosecurity
• Assist with scheduling and workload tasks for farrowing technicians.
• Monitor and maintain environmental conditions (temperature, ventilation, cleanliness) in the farrowing rooms.
• Ensure timely and proper processing of piglets (e.g., iron shots, tail docking, castration etc.)
• Give input to farm manager on production, animal health, and farrowing employee issues
• Promote a positive, respectful, and safe work culture

Ensure farrowing paperwork is completed accurately and on time

• Ensure employees are properly trained on how to complete paperwork in the farrowing area. Submit production records and corrections on time
• Maintain detailed records of farrowing performance, piglet survival, and treatment protocols.
• Work with farm management and HR staff to ensure completion of all work-related injury paperwork and participate as necessary in accident investigations

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience with swine, Preferred
• Must have a reliable method of transportation to get to work
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and be part of a weekend rotation schedule.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and ability to be on feet 8 to 10 hours per day
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and handling animals
• Frequent use of one or both hands/arms to grasp or pull
• Indoor livestock environment with exposure to noise, dust, odors, and temperature changes
• Frequent lifting of objects weighing 5-20 pounds
• Work in both hot and cold environments depending on the season.

Benefits

• Competitive wage based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance along with life and short-term disability
• Paid time off and holiday payRetirement plan option

Looking to fill positions at multiple farms.