Farrowing Technician

As a family company, Schwartz Farms, Inc. is committed to caring for its people and animals by demonstrating the values of humility, care, integrity, discipline and excellence. Known for quality pork production, SFI is a proud advocate of creating opportunities for rural communities with presence in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. As a premier pork producer, Schwartz Farms embraces itself for a challenging and rewarding future.

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate these values for a Farrowing Specialist Position. As a Farrowing Specialist, you can count on becoming not just part of a growing company, but a family.

POSITION OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Farrowing Specialist is to perform the daily duties associated with farrowing production issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Specifically, the Farrowing Specialist is responsible for the following activities:

Farrowing Production:

• Assist Department Leader with preparation of pre-farrow rooms
• Perform inducing of sows
• Execute proper farrowing of sows
• Ensure proper execution of day one pig care
• Identify piglets that require a nurse sow or litter swap
• Assist Department Leader in ensuring that piglets are with the correct sow and crate; transfer and size piglets as directed
• Movement of animals (sows and piglets) as directed
• Treat and vaccinate sows and piglets as directed
• Keep crates full of lactating sows
• Process and castrate piglets
• Feed lactating sows per protocol
• Assist Department Leader with maintaining accurate documentation (i.e. weekly, monthly inventory of sows and piglets)
• Assist in power washing, as assigned
• Advocate and engage in SFI's animal welfare policy, including promoting animal well-being, remedying circumstances which impede animal care, and properly reporting instances of mistreatment or abuse
• Ensure that SFI training program requirements, and procedures are being met and followed
• Ensure the highest level of a safe work environment and safe work practices
• Maintain PQA certification status
• Ensure and maintain as directed that all SFI bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforced
• Exhibit strong teamwork, including working to achieve team goals, embracing new technologies, working on new projects, etc.
• Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodation

Building & Equipment Maintenance:

• Follow bio-security protocol
• Ensure general barn cleanliness, and specifically farrowing rooms and hallways
• Adjust heat lamps, as directed
• Notify Department Leader with ventilation questions and/or concerns to ensure optimal environment
• As assigned perform maintenance task
• Ensure and follow the highest level of a safe work environment and work practices

The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate Schwartz Farms' values of integrity, respect, excellence and adaptability
• Advocate and engage in SFI's animal welfare policy, including promoting animal well-being, remedying circumstances which impede animal care, and properly reporting instances of mistreatment or abuse
• Maintain and promote a safe working environment
• Additional duties may be assigned as they arise

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

Weekend and Holiday work rotations as established by Supervisor will be required.