Sow Farm Technician

Job Duties

Job Duties

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:

Breeding:

Ensure the highest standards of ethical animal treatment

Assist Department Lead

Conduct artificial breeding (AI), as directed

Perform daily estrous checks on animals and check bred groups

Perform routine and seasonal vaccinations, as directed

Assist with monthly inventory counts

Perform general feed maintenance on bred and open animals

Assist farrowing department

Assist in maintaining all sow breeding records and documentation on sow removal records,

transactions, and treatment records

Farrowing:

Ensure the highest standards of ethical animal treatment

Assist Department Lead with preparation of pre-farrow rooms

Execute proper farrowing of sows & execution of day one pig care

Perform inducing of sows**

Assist Department Lead in ensuring that piglets are with the correct sow and stall; transfer and size

piglets as directed

Keep stalls full of lactating sows

Process and castrate piglets

Feed lactating sows as per protocol

Assist with piglet weaning

Assist breeding department

Assist Department Lead with maintaining accurate documentation (i.e. weekly, monthly inventory of

sows and piglets)

ALL Farm Employees:

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

Minimum Education Required

None

Minimum Experience Required

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

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

2

Compensation

$18.00 - $22.00 / Hourly

Postal Code

56039

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

47228

Job Benefits

Pay and Benefits:

Full-time employees are eligible for paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term

disability, long-term disability, HSA account, and 401(k) with match.

Wages and salaries are set commensurate with the employee’s skills and experience and in accordance

with Wakefield Pork’s wage and benefit policies.