Gilt Herd Lead: Breeding & Health Ops

pipestonecareers; Pipestone (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pipestone Careers is seeking a Gilt Development Unit Lead to oversee daily care, nutrition, health, and gilt selection in a farm setting. You will supervise staff, enforce biosecurity, and record reproductive performance to support a high-quality breeding herd.

Responsibilities include managing acclimation and isolation of incoming gilts, maintaining barn hygiene, monitoring growth and welfare, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. Weekend rotations and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in swine production.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the 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 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Gilt selection

Breeding knowledge

Biosecurity practices

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Pipestone Careers is seeking a Gilt Development Unit Lead to oversee daily care, nutrition, health, and gilt selection in a farm setting. You will supervise staff, enforce biosecurity, and record reproductive performance to support a high-quality breeding herd.

Responsibilities include managing acclimation and isolation of incoming gilts, maintaining barn hygiene, monitoring growth and welfare, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. Weekend rotations and travel may be required.