Objective
The Animal Care Technician is responsible for the daily care, health, and welfare of pigs in a swine production facility. This role involves performing tasks related to animal husbandry, health management, feeding, breeding, and facility maintenance to ensure the highest standards of swine production.
Role and Responsibilities
- Learn and monitor the health and well-being of swine, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and care.
- Follow all production protocols and procedures to maximize sow and gilt production & efficiencies.
- Administer vaccinations, medications, and other health treatments as directed.
- Ensure pigs have access to adequate feed, air and water.
- Monitor feed intake and adjust feeding programs as necessary.
- Identify and report signs of illness or injury, following proper protocols for treatment.
- Assist with farrowing (birthing) and newborn piglet care, including feeding and processing.
- Assist in breeding activities, including artificial insemination and pregnancy checks.
- Monitor sows during gestation and farrowing to ensure a healthy process.
- Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in barns, pens, and other facilities.
- Operate and maintain equipment used in swine production.
- Maintain accurate records of animal health, treatments, and performance in a timely manner
- Communicate effectively with the employee and the farm management
- Follow animal welfare, biosecurity regulations and company policies.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- No experience required.
- Experience in animal husbandry or swine production is preferred but not required.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.
Work Environment
- Exposure to loud noises, odors, and varying temperatures.
- Working with live animals in close quarters.
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
- Must be able to print and/or write legibly
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed
- Must have reliable method of transportation to get to work
