Farrowing Technician

Schwartz Farms Inc.; Herington (KS); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Schwartz Farms Inc. is seeking dedicated individuals for animal care roles at their Herington, Kansas facility. The position involves assisting in the farrowing process, caring for piglets, and maintaining cleanliness and safety in the barns. Candidates should embody the company values of humility and integrity while ensuring the well-being of the animals.

Work involves physical demands, including lifting 50 lbs, and requires compliance with SFI's animal welfare policy. The role offers a competitive hourly rate of $18.50.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs with reasonable accommodation.
• PQA certification status is required.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and bio-security practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist Department Leader with preparation of pre-farrow rooms.
• Execute proper farrowing of sows and ensure piglet care.
• Maintain barn cleanliness and general equipment.
• Engage in SFI's animal welfare policy.

Skills

Animal care

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Job description

As a family company, Schwartz Farms, Inc. is committed to caring for its people and animals by demonstrating the values of humility, care, integrity, discipline, and excellence. Known for quality pork production, SFI is a proud advocate of creating opportunities for rural communities with presence in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. As a premier pork producer, Schwartz Farms embraces itself for a challenging and rewarding future.

Production

• Assist Department Leader with preparation of pre-farrow rooms
• Perform inducing of sows
• Execute proper farrowing of sows
• Ensure proper execution of day one pig care
• Identify piglets that require a nurse sow or litter swap
• Assist Department Leader in ensuring that piglets are with the correct sow and crate; transfer and size piglets as directed
• Movement of animals (sows and piglets) as directed
• Treat and vaccinate sows and piglets as directed
• Keep crates full of lactating sows
• Process and castrate piglets
• Feed lactating sows per protocol
• Assist Department Leader with maintaining accurate documentation (i.e. weekly, monthly inventory of sows and piglets)
• Assist in power washing, as assigned
• Advocate and engage in SFI's animal welfare policy, including promoting animal well-being, remedying circumstances which impede animal care, and properly reporting instances of mistreatment or abuse
• Ensure that SFI training program requirements, and procedures are being met and followed
• Ensure the highest level of a safe work environment and safe work practices
• Maintain PQA certification status
• Ensure and maintain as directed that all SFI bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforced
• Exhibit strong teamwork, including working to achieve team goals, embracing new technologies, working on new projects, etc.
• Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodation

Building & Equipment Maintenance

• Follow bio-security protocol
• Ensure general barn cleanliness, and specifically farrowing rooms and hallways
• Adjust heat lamps, as directed
• Notify Department Leader with ventilation questions and/or concerns to ensure optimal environment
• As assigned perform maintenance task
• Ensure and follow the highest level of a safe work environment and work practices

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Schwartz Farms' values of humility, care, integrity, discipline, and excellence
• Advocate and engage in SFI's animal welfare policy, including promoting animal well-being, remedying circumstances which impede animal care, and properly reporting instances of mistreatment or abuse
• Maintain and promote a safe working environment
• Additional duties may be assigned as they arise

Working Conditions And Environment

Monday to Friday, every 3rd weekend rotation. Rotating Holidays established by Manager.

Salary: $18.50 per hour