Farm Animal Attendant

Press Control+M to start dragging object The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 8/18/26 and 8/24/26. Position and/or Unit Overview The successful applicant will work a 40-hour week on a rotating schedule, typically between 6 AM and 4:30 PM. This schedule will include work on every third weekend and holidays in rotation with other team members to care for and feed animals 7 days a week and carry out research protocols. The successful applicant will be expected to work primarily with swine in an indoor setting and will be working at times both as an individual and in a team setting. This position will also provide assistance and support to center-wide and program specific outreach activities that may include (not limited to): visitor/field days, school groups, summer camps, tours, and volunteers. Work Environment In-person Location UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, Minnesota UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center is a 930 acre research farm located in Waseca, MN. As an active farming and research operation, SROC has research programs in the areas of Agronomy, Dairy, Horticulture, Nematology, Soil Management, Renewable Energy, and Swine. Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program. Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages) Herd Health (30% of time) Ensure bio-security protocols are followed as directed Observe and care for swine during gestation, farrowing, and finishing Process newborn piglets Inspect and record daily health and condition of pigs. Identify and isolate sick animals as needed for treatment Provide treatment or preventative procedures as directed by veterinarian or supervisor. Vaccinate animals according to herd health protocol. Keep routine management records up to date and accurate on paper and in digital form Feeding (25% of time) Feed the animals while monitoring water and feed systems. Maintain feed drop and make feeder adjustments as needed. Hand feeding and weighing of feed as directed Train swine to utilize electronic feed stations Research (20% of time) Weigh sows and offspring while collecting individual samples Conduct identification of animals for detailed record keeping Allocate pigs to specific trials Precisely follow directives within research protocols Collect data outlined in experimental protocols Help students complete experimental work when needed Herd Reproduction (15% of time) Check sows for signs of heat and artificially inseminate sows Follow directives on breeding procedure Perform pregnancy checks of sows and gilts Keep detailed breeding, conception and birth records. Maintenance and Cleaning (10% of time) Power washing, scraping and disinfecting of barns, pens, stalls, feeders, and other animal equipment and facilities Makes minor repairs and maintains tools and equipment Monitor ventilation, heating systems, feeding systems Qualifications Essential Qualifications: High School graduate with three years’ experience in swine related animal care or combination of academic coursework and related work experience to total 3 years. The ability to: walk or stand for the majority of day; bend, climb, kneel; carry, lift, push and pull 75 lbs. or more. Work in all animal environments including odors, noise, dust, both indoors and outdoors which may be during times of inclement weather. Be able to operate farm equipment such as tractor and loader, skid loader, truck and 5th wheel trailer and related equipment Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $24.47 a hour ; depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr