Gilt Development Unit (GDU) Technician

Job Description

Job Description

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 in a GDU Technician role. Specifically, the GDU Technician is responsible for the following activities:Production/Production Scheduling:Daily walk through of Gilt Development Unit to monitor herd health and welfare assigned by Barn ManagerBe responsible for daily care of animalsClosely communicate with Barn Manager in regards to herd health issuesMonitor water settings assigned by Barn ManagerEnsure proper barn ventilation, understand and know controllersMonitor feed levels of sites assigned by Barn Manager, coordinate with Barn Manager and Feed Procurement Specialist at the SFI office on ordering and any other feed issues, up to and including climbing bins to accurately determine feed levels. Conduct artificial breeding, as directedPerform daily heat checks on cycling giltsPerform routine and seasonal vaccinations, as directedPerform general feed maintenance on bred and open giltsAssist with weekly inventory countsEnsure a clean work and clean animal living environment Assist in power washing, as assignedReport any findings of pit foaming or crusting to Barn ManagerGeneral barn maintenance and upkeep to ensure animal welfare and healthAssist in filling and emptying of GDU with giltsAdvocate 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 abuseEnsure that SFI training program requirements, and procedures are being met and followedEnsure the highest level of a safe work environment and safe work practicesEnsure and maintain as directed that all SFI bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforcedExhibit 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 accommodationAdditional duties may be assigned as they arise.Documentation Assist in maintaining all gilt breeding records and documentation on gilt removal records, transactions, and treatment recordsMaintain PQA certification statusThe 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.WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTMonday to Friday, every 3rd weekend rotation. Holiday work rotations as established by Manager.