Wean Finish Specialist

Schwartz Farms Inc.; Comfrey (MN); On-site; USD 22,041 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

Schwartz Farms, Inc. in Minnesota is seeking a Wean‑Finish Specialist to perform production tasks at company sites, to optimize animal care and health while upholding SFI standards.

You will monitor herd health, ensure access to water and feed, vaccinate animals, and maintain biosecurity. The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and may include weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs with reasonable accommodation.
• Experience in animal care and welfare preferred.
• Maintain PQA certification status.

Responsibilities

• Walk sites to monitor herd health and welfare.
• Provide care of animals, ensuring access to water and feed.
• Vaccinate animals and treat sick/injured animals.
• Maintain biosecurity protocols and document key metrics.

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.

Position Objectives and Purpose

The Wean‑Finish Specialist is responsible for performing production tasks in various company‑owned and/or‑operated wean‑finish sites to optimize animal care, health and efficiencies, in a manner which upholds SFI standards related to animals, equipment and facilities.

Essential Functions

Animal Care

• Walk through assigned sites to monitor herd health and welfare
• Provide care of animals, ensuring access to water, feed and proper environment
• Communicate with supervisor regarding herd health issues
• Monitor settings of feeders at assigned sites
• Monitor feed bin levels of assigned sites, including climbing bins to accurately determine feed levels; coordinate with supervisor and feed department on ordering and feed issues
• Assure proper watering of animals at assigned sites
• Treat and work with sick and injured animals
• Vaccinate animals
• Respond to alarm calls of assigned sites; if unable to physically respond, notify appropriate personnel
• Maintain SFI‑established biosecurity protocols
• Assist in loading and emptying of barns
• Ensure proper handling and removal of dead animals in a timely manner and ensure SFI protocols are met
• Maintain appropriate documentation for assigned sites, including hi/low temperatures, numbers treated, withdrawal times, medicine usage, deads, etc.

Equipment and Facilities

• Ensure proper barn ventilation, understand how to adjust controllers
• Maintain company standards related to site cleanliness and appearance including but not limited to barn area, office area, parking area, driveways, pest and rodent control, general yard work including but not limited to lawn and weed control
• Test site generators and record results weekly
• Ensure alarm systems are working properly and are tested weekly
• Report any findings of pit foaming or crusting to supervisor or safety department
• Perform general barn maintenance and upkeep to ensure animal welfare and health; notify supervisor when unable to perform necessary barn maintenance

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

• Adhere to all company vehicle policies, and follow all local, state and federal regulations associated with operating a motor vehicle
• Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 lbs with reasonable accommodation
• Maintain PQA certification status
• Demonstrate Schwartz Farms' values of integrity, care, excellence and discipline
• 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

• Position may involve non‑standard business hours.
• Weekend and holiday work rotations as established by supervisor.

Salary: $18.50 per hour