Position Overview:

The Sow Farm MIT must have background working in in the swine industry for at least two years with proven leadership potential or have a 2-4 year degree in an agriculture or management related field.

This role will also involve working on a sow farm in conjunction with barn management to gain knowledge and experience to grow into a future leadership position. The qualified candidate should have interest in leadership and actively be pursing swine leadership positions as they become available within our company. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to take their skillset and career to the next level and contribute to the growth and success of our company.

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Work closely with current farm management team and swine business manager to learn the ins and outs of managing a sow farm
• Take initiative to learn how to oversee all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn operations
• Provide leadership for the farm staff, be a role model, and delegate work assignments as assigned by manager
• Have excellent communication with management and staff
• Participate in trainings and leadership meetings as assigned
• May be asked to spend time at other facilities to gain additional experience Ensuring all animals are receiving proper feed, water, and ventilation
• Shipping and receiving animals
• Treating animals
• Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
• Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving 
• Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
• Moving animals with a sort board
• Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
• Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots 
• Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
• Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
• Pen management, culling, sorting
• Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
• Testing via blood/saliva samples as needed 
• Understand & follow WFR’s biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility
• Understand & follow WFR’s animal welfare policy
• Understand & follow WFR’s handbook and procedures
• Work respectfully with a diverse team of 15-18 employees 
• Maintain PQA+ certification 

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.  

Education and Experience

• 2 years in the swine industry with proven leadership potential or 2-year degree in a agricultural or management related field.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership
• Ethical
• Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
• Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat & kneel
• Capable to do repeated actions
• Effectively communicate with team members

Work Environment 

• Schedule: Must work scheduled days and hours, will work some weekends and extra hours as needed. Must work full time, a minimum of 80 hours each pay period.
• Environment: indoors and outdoors, dusty environments, hog farm. Nosie level is usually moderate to loud. 
• Travel: Requirements are limited. May have to travel occasionally for meetings, supplies, etc.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.