Farrowing Technician

Schwartz Farms, Inc.; Herington (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Schwartz Farms, Inc. is seeking a Farrowing Technician in Herington, Kansas. The role involves aiding in the care and management of sows and piglets, ensuring compliance with bio-security and animal welfare practices.

Responsibilities include assisting with farrowing, maintaining cleanliness in the facilities, and working effectively in a team environment. Candidates should have a strong commitment to animal care and safety.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols for animal care and welfare.
• Experience in farm environments preferred.
• Certification for PQA status is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and care of sows during farrowing.
• Maintain cleanliness and bio-security standards in barns.
• Engage in team efforts to enhance productivity and animal care.

Skills

Teamwork

Animal welfare knowledge

Ability to lift 50 lbs

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.

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate these values in a Farrowing Technician role. Specifically, the Farrowing Technician is responsible for the following activities:

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

The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

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.