Research Site Manager

Position Overview & Responsibilities: Critical to the success of all research trials, this position has immediate responsibility for the implementation of research protocols and the maintenance and management of Christensen Farm's research nursery. Research and development is a critical area of the Christensen Farms organization in our continuous strive for excellence.

The research site manager will have the opportunity to manage Christensen Farm's newly built nursery research site in SW Minnesota. The site capacity is 7,000 head with 4 rooms and state-of-the-art technology and research capabilities. The site has the ability to remotely mix and deliver feed of any quantity, from any bin, to any pen in the barn. The research facilities have capabilities to weigh pigs individually and by large groups/pens. All of these key features allow us to evaluate the effect of the environment, water treatments, and nutrition on Christensen Farms' pigs.

The duties of this job require a high degree of skill in maintaining established standards of quality and accuracy. Motivation, determination and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results that meet these established criteria are a necessity for successful job performance. At times, the work will require technical problem solving. New ideas and concepts are important but will be carefully analyzed and tested before communication and adoption.

Major Areas of Accountability:

General Production

• Order and monitor feed accurately and on time in accordance with research protocols
• Manage orders for supplies, medications, vaccinations, and disease diagnostics
• Control costs and maintain site expenses within budget
• Monitor and enforce biosecurity protocols
• Oversee maintenance, site care, manure control and informing field operations of needed repairs
• Complete weekly and monthly checklists
• Prepare barns for new group of pigs
• Load and unload pigs for transport
• Power washing as required
• Safe Data call in of production related information
• Maintain cleanliness of laundry and office spaces
• Report information as requested (weekly, month end reports, etc.)
• Timely euthanize pigs as needed and management of incineration system
• Perform preventative maintenance of all equipment
• Respond to barn alarms in a timely manner
• Organize and provide directions to labor as needed
• Assist the swine research specialists with animal care as needed
• Collaborate closely with the research animal caretakers to ensure the site has exceptional pig care and high caliber research data
• Keep the research manager informed on a timely basis regarding scheduling, issues, time frames, commitments, production and HR concerns
• Participate in field trials and assist with departmental needs as necessary
• Willingness to take on new projects and support testing of new equipment or concepts
• Support and promote the company policies, procedures, and values

Research

• Implement research protocols as defined
• Use and knowledge of research equipment
• Accurately count and track pigs
• Maintain organized, detailed, and accurate data sheets
• Weigh pigs on a regular basis as indicated in the research protocol
• Input collected information into Excel and perform basic data summarization
• Organize all trial information and ensure data accuracy and quality
• Oversee research processes that include, but are not limited to: Setting up trials, allotting pigs, and managing transportation loads
Report any deviations from normal operations that may impact research results

Administrative

• Provides accurate and timely correspondence as required by research manager
• Welcome and provide on site support for tour groups at the facility

Supervision

• Directly supervise the research animal care workers to ensure exceptional pig care and high caliber research data

Supervision of Others:

• Direct: Research Animal Care Specialists
• Indirect: None

Reports to:

Senior Research Manager

Education, Training, and Experience Requirements:

Minimum formal education required: Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Minimum number of years of prior job experience required: Minimal, 1-3 years. Previous swine or livestock Production experience preferred. Prior management experience preferred. Previous research experience preferred.

Specialized Training requirements: Basic computer proficiency, especially in Microsoft Excel.

Other Technical Skills required: None

Physical Requirements:

Rare, 0-5% Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.

Occasional, 6-33% Bending or stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Occasional, 6-33% Kneeling or squatting.

Rare, 0-5% Overhead reaching.

Unlimited, 67-100% Standing, particularly for sustained periods of time.

Rare, 0-5% Sitting, Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Unlimited, 67-100% Walking.

Rare, 0-5% Pushing and pulling.

Frequent, 34-66% Medium lifting: Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Frequent, 34-66% Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Frequent, 34-66% Motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (i.e. typing, grasping, or gripping).

The worker is required to have the visual ability to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

Specialized or Motorized Equipment and/or Tools:

This position may require operating a company vehicle, or receiving regular mileage reimbursement, any offer for this position will be contingent upon the review of the candidate's motor vehicle record (MVR). The MVR will be reviewed to determine insurability based on CF's insurance carrier and company policy.

Vehicle Licensing Requirement: Class D

This job description is not intended to limit the responsibilities of an employee assigned to this position to those duties listed above. The employee is expected to follow any other instructions and perform any other duties requested by the immediate supervisor or company management. The level of involvement may vary based on company and individual capabilities.

Christensen Farms is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to select the most qualified person for each position in the organization. No employee of CF will discriminate against any applicant for employment or a fellow employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, citizenship status, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other prohibited basis under applicable local, state, or federal law.