Production Technician Lead

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The Production Technician Lead will assist the Department HOD and other team members in safely carrying out daily responsibilities in the department while adhering to the Company Standard Operating Procedures, for maximum productivity, efficiency and profitability.       

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complies with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) to complete all daily tasks effectively and efficiently  
• Ensures and follows the highest level of a safe work environment and work practices 
• Works with team members to ensure cleanliness and sanitation in the work area
• Complies with the practices and principals of biosecurity to safeguard the life and health of the swine herd   
• Performs routine tasks assigned by the Department Manager 
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Farm Manager 

Breeding

• Assists in the selection of quality gilts to tag and enter into breeding herd
• Checks and detects heat on a daily basis to ensure gilts get plenty of exposure to boars
• Identifies and remove gilts in heat, to heat no service row or breed barn 
• Keep detailed records for use in breeding process for improved quantity and quality of production
• Care for the welfare of the animals on a daily basis, including feeding, watering, providing health and vaccination treatment, detecting heat, conducting artificial insemination procedures, moving pigs, and power washing following company SOPs
• Comply with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) to complete all daily tasks effectively and efficiently   
• Ensure and follow the highest level of a safe work environment and work practices 

• Farrowing
• Keep detailed and accurate record used for gilt selection and future breeding activities
• General analysis of progress of sow births and birthing process for assisting in birthing but also for record keeping on performance of sows
• Keep and/or review detailed records on both the sows and the offspring to include the detail of each insemination, date the sow farrowed, number of piglets contained in the litter, stillborn, mummies, and total born, performance of the sow’s births as well as the traits and characteristics of the piglet
• Complies with the practices and principals of biosecurity to safeguard the life and health of the swine herd
• Complies with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) to complete all daily tasks effectively and efficiently
• Assists farm manager in conducting performance valuations
• Constant monitoring of sows including size, weight, health, food consumption and behavior used in considering efficiency and quality of breeding stock
• Routinely care for the welfare of the animals on a daily basis, including monitoring and overseeing the birthing process, and care of baby piglets directly after birth
• Feeding, watering, vaccinating, assisting with birthing, detecting complications in birthing, monitoring newborns, administer colostrum if necessary, monitor and control piglet temperatures
• Piglet processing, such as tattooing, castrating, etc.
• Movement of sows during pre and post farrowing, record keeping for use in gilt selection and future breeding

REQUIREMENTS:

• Desire to work with pigs, willingness to learn and understand animal behavior, tolerate and willingness to perform animal husbandry tasks on a routine basis
• Must be available to work 11 of 14 days in a pay cycle, including some weekends and holidays
• Must have a solid work history and have ability to provide solid work references   
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• EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE:
   
  • Completion of Carthage System, Production Technician Certification program
  • 1 years related experience in swine production  
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    MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  Ability to stand, walk, kneel, squat and be on feet for up to 10 hours per day   Frequent bending, reaching, pulling, lifting – occasionally lifting and pulling up to 100 lbs with assistance of another team member  
  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs 

  Ability to work in noise levels that may require hearing protection in some areas

  Ability to display a high level of respect to team members and animals

  Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing 

  Ability to follow directions 

  Ability to work in fast moving environment