Gilt Developer Unit Lead - Dakota Superior Gilts

Bethanyswine; South Dakota; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Bethanyswine is seeking a Gilt Developer Unit (GDU) Lead to oversee the development and health of replacement gilts, ensuring a high-quality breeding herd. You will manage daily operations, supervise staff, and implement gilt selection, nutrition, biosecurity, and health protocols.

You will work with production teams to optimize reproductive performance, genetic progress, welfare, and farm efficiency, while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2+ years in swine production, preferably gilt development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of gilt selection, breeding, and herd health management.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment with lifting and standing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily care, feeding, and health of developing gilts.
• Implement gilt selection criteria to ensure high-quality replacement females.
• Identify and address health issues promptly through proper treatment and management.
• Manage acclimation and isolation protocols for incoming gilts.
• Monitor growth, reproductive performance, and development.
• Enforce strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease.
• Maintain records of gilt inventories, health treatments, and reproduction.
• Ensure compliance with policies, standards, and animal welfare regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness of barns, feeding systems, and ventilation.
• Monitor environmental conditions to optimize comfort and growth.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or facility needs.
• Weekend rotation may be required.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Gilt selection

Herd health management

Biosecurity

Operational oversight

Problem solving

Record keeping

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Work Location Type

Onsite

Job Description

Objective

The Gilt Developer Unit (GDU) Lead is responsible for overseeing the development and health of replacement gilts to ensure a high-quality breeding herd. This role involves managing daily operations, supervising staff, and implementing protocols for gilt selection, nutrition, biosecurity, and health management. The GDU Lead works closely with production teams to ensure optimal reproductive performance and genetic progress while maintaining animal welfare and farm efficiency.

Role and Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily care, feeding, and health of developing gilts.
• Implement and monitor gilt selection criteria to ensure high-quality replacement females.
• Identify and address health issues promptly through proper treatment and management practices.
• Manage acclimation and isolation protocols for incoming gilts to maintain herd health.
• Monitor gilt growth rates, reproductive performance, and overall development.
• Enforce strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread.
• Maintain accurate records of gilt inventories, health treatments, and reproductive performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and animal welfare regulations.
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of barns, feeding systems, and ventilation.
• Monitor environmental conditions to optimize animal comfort and growth.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or facility needs.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 2+ years of experience in swine production, preferably with gilt development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of gilt selection, breeding, and herd health management.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with swine industry regulations and biosecurity protocols.
• Farm-based setting with exposure to livestock, odors, dust, and varying temperatures in rural areas
• Requires hands-on animal handling and manual labor.
• Some travel may be required for training or company meetings.

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and ability to be on feet 8 to 10 hours per day
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, and kneeling
• Frequent use of one or both hands/arms to grasp or pull
• Frequent lifting of objects weighing 3-20 pounds
• Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or requiring up to 50 pounds of force to move
• Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 100 pounds or requiring up to 100 pounds of force to move with the assistance of another person as needed
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to attend and participate in meetings of various lengths

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work weekend rotation
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to work and attend meetings
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Benefits Package includes Paid Single Health Insurance, Family Health Coverage
• available
• Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Holiday pay & Paid Time Off

Benefits Summary

Benefit Package includes Paid Single Health Insurance, Family Health Coverage Available, Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance, Retirement Plan and Paid Time Off. Overtime and Weekend Pay Potential!

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