Farm Production Technician

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of this role is to perform daily tasks and adhere to standard operating procedures in the grow/finish unit of a swine production and research facility in Frankfort, Indiana. This individual will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare while supporting scientific research and production objectives.

Core Responsibilities:

Animal Care and Welfare

• Provide daily care, feeding, and watering of animals in alignment with established protocols and schedules.
• Monitor the health and behavior of animals, promptly reporting any signs of illness or distress to the appropriate manager.
• Maintain clean, sanitary production facilities through regular cleaning and disinfecting (ex., power washing stalls, pens, and equipment).
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments under veterinary or researcher guidance.
• Perform swine production tasks, including heat checking, breeding, animal movement, piglet processing, and feeder adjustments.

Research Support

• Collaborate with research staff to execute animal study protocols effectively.
• Conduct research-related measurements, such as weighing animals and feeders, collecting feed samples, and recording data.
• Perform daily observations of pigs and their environment, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with trial requirements.
• Assist with animal handling and restraint during research procedures and sample collection.

Facility Maintenance and Safety

• Conduct routine maintenance to ensure functionality and cleanliness of housing areas, equipment, and facilities.
• Follow all safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for colleagues, animals, and oneself.
• Identify and promptly report safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or maintenance needs.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure efficient operations of the research farm.
• Assist in training and mentoring new staff or volunteers on animal care and research protocols.
• Foster a positive and respectful work environment through effective communication and teamwork.
• Support other farm employees with daily tasks as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Majority of work occurs in an indoor swine production setting, characterized by dusty, noisy conditions and unpredictable animal movements.
• Requires flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours as research demands.

Minimum Qualifications: Please note that although the following qualifications are preferred, candidates with diverse backgrounds, education, and experience will be considered for this role.

Education/Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in animal science, agriculture, or related fields preferred.

Relevant Experience

• 1–2 years of experience in swine production, animal care, livestock management, or similar farm roles is highly desirable. 

Specialized Knowledge

• Familiarity with swine nursery and finishing procedures.
• Understanding of general safety principles.
• Understanding of research principles and data collection techniques.
• Knowledge of farm equipment operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Non-Technical Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with team members, researchers, and veterinarians.
• Effective problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Capacity to identify safety issues.
• Champion of United Animal Health’s cultural values.
• Keen observational skills for detecting deviations in animal health or behavior.

Licenses/Certification

• None required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 60 lbs. or more periodically.
• Good body flexibility, including frequent bending and twisting.
• Mobility and stamina to endure manual labor, extended periods of standing, and occasional jostling by animals.

Safety Requirements

• Use of ear protection in high-noise areas.
• Wear a breathing mask in dusty conditions.
• Use safety goggles in areas with a risk of flying objects.
• Adherence to all company safety procedures and regulations to maintain a safe working environment.