Swine Production Technician

United Animal Health; Sheridan (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

United Animal Health is seeking a hands-on Swine Production Operator to support daily production operations in a swine research facility. You will ensure high standards of animal care and welfare while supporting scientific research and production objectives.

Responsibilities include feeding, weaning, breeding, administering treatments under guidance, data collection, and maintaining clean, safe facilities. Flexibility to work weekends and extended hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are required.
• Capacity to identify safety concerns and report them promptly.
• Keen observational skills for detecting deviations in animal health or behavior.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily swine production tasks such as feeding, watering, weaning, and breeding with animal movement.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinary or researcher guidance.
• Perform piglet processing and animal handling.
• Maintain clean, sanitary facilities through power washing and regular disinfecting.
• Execute animal study protocols in collaboration with research staff.
• Conduct measurements, weighing animals, collecting samples, and data recording.
• Monitor pigs and environment for data accuracy and protocol compliance.
• Assist in animal handling, restraint, and sample collection during procedures.
• Conduct routine facility maintenance and repairs and promote a safe working environment.
• Identify safety hazards, report maintenance needs, and wear PPE as required.
• Train new staff on care and research protocols and assist daily tasks.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The primary responsibility of this role is to perform daily production operations and standard operating procedures in a swine research facility. This individual will ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare while supporting scientific research and production objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Swine Production Operations

• Execute daily production tasks which may include but are not limited to: feeding, watering, weaning, breeding, animal movement, heat checking, and feeder adjustments.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinary or researcher guidance.
• Perform piglet processing and animal handling.
• Maintain clean, sanitary facilities through power washing and regular disinfecting.

Research Support

• Execute animal study protocols in collaboration with research staff.
• Conduct research-related measurements including weighing animals and feeders, collecting feed samples, and recording data.
• Perform daily observations of pigs and their environment to ensure data accuracy and protocol compliance.
• Assist with animal handling, restraint, and sample collection during research procedures.

Facility Maintenance & Safety

• Conduct routine maintenance and repairs on facilities and equipment.
• Promote and maintain a safe, secure, and biosecure working environment.
• Identify and promptly report safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or maintenance needs.
• Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure efficient farm operations.
• Assist in training new staff on animal care and research protocols.
• Support other farm employees with daily tasks as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Farm-based environment with exposure to livestock, farm equipment, and varying weather conditions (hot, cold, humid, etc.).
• Requires flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours as research demands.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of professional experience in swine production preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of swine production principles and procedures.
• Understanding of farm equipment operation and general maintenance techniques.
• Familiarity with research principles, data collection, and reporting techniques.
• Understanding of general safety principles.

Non-Technical Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Capacity to identify safety concerns.
• Keen observational skills for detecting deviations in animal health or behavior.

Licenses/Certifications:

• None required.

Physical & Safety Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more regularly.
• Good body flexibility including frequent bending, twisting, and repetitive movements.
• Mobility and stamina to endure manual labor, included extended periods of standing, and working with livestock.
• Ability to work in farm environments with exposure to varying temperatures and seasonal conditions.
• Adhere to all company safety procedures and regulations.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Strictly follow all biosecurity protocols.

Disclaimer:

Adherence to all food safety procedures as per FDA regulations, including the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) or any other applicable federal, state, or local food safety regulations.