Sow Farm Technician (Breeding or Farrowing)

Since 1991, Wakefield Pork has been an industry leader in pork production, operating from south central Minnesota to northern Iowa. As a forward-thinking leader in the pork industry, the Wakefield Pork family strives to deliver a quality pork product that nourishes families across the world. We are looking for all kinds of employees with different types of experiences. We believe work ethic and strong values are as important as industry expertise.

Summary:

A Breeding Technician is responsible for assisting with all daily aspects of swine breeding, including maintaining breeding and farrowing targets, daily artificial insemination (AI) breeding, semen inventory and delivery, herd health and vaccination program, nutrition, isolation and acclimation of replacement gilts, and record keeping. Wakefield Pork is seeking a dedicated individual who is interested in the pork industry and can bring an element of team dynamics to Wakefield Pork’s goal-orientated system.

A Farrowing Technician is responsible for assisting with all daily aspects of swine farrowing, including maintaining farrowing targets, individual sow and piglet care, feeding, farrowing, piglet health and vaccination program, nutrition, and record keeping. Wakefield Pork is seeking a dedicated individual who is interested in the pork industry and can bring an element of team dynamics to Wakefield Pork’s goal-orientated system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Exhibit strong teamwork, including working to achieve team goals, embracing new technologies, working on new projects, etc.
• Maintain a clean and organized working environment
• Ensure a proper animal environment, including but not limited to ventilation, water, feed, and animal husbandry
• Maintain PQA Plus & TQA certification status
• Ensure that WPI training program requirements and procedures are being met and executed
• Assist in power washing, as assigned
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and trainings
• Follow all safety rules and practices and encourage coworkers to do the same
• Ensure the highest level of a safe work environment
• Follow all biosecurity measures as per WPI policies
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation
• Ability to do basic math – addition, subtraction, and multiplication
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Regular, consistent attendance
• Industry experience preferred but not required

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to move throughout the farm; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb 3-foot gates, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 50 pounds. Position requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp. Frequently required, for extended periods of time, to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and communicate.

Position requires a high level of respect for team members and animals. Must demonstrate communication and time-management skills and the ability to adapt and function effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment. Interacts closely with Sow Barn Manager, Department Leads, and other Technicians

Hours: Typically, Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (actual hours vary by location), and an every 3rd-weekend rotation

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person