Animal Caretaker - Sows

Overview

Iowa Select Farms Job Description

TITLE: Sow Farm Animal Caretaker

REPORTS TO: Sow Farm Department Head

LAST REVISION DATE: 12/12/23

• We believe in doing the right thing every day, operating with character and integrity, and being stewards of our resource by committing to:
  Our Animals, Our People, Our Environment, Our Community
• The core values of an organization are those values we hold which form the foundation on which we perform work and conduct ourselves. We expect all leaders, managers, and employees to demonstrate, foster and promote:
• Respect:
  We treat people with respect regardless of personal opinions or differing backgrounds, and no one within the organization is more or less important than anyone else
• Accountability:
  We hold ourselves accountable for completing our job responsibilities and following through on our commitments. We recognize our own strengths and areas for improvement and accept responsibility for the performance and actions of ourselves and our teams without blaming others
• Good Decision-Making:
  We continuously improve processes, attain results, and create efficiencies to achieve our mission, solving problems based on factual information, analysis, wisdom, and experience
• Flexibility:
  We react to changing circumstances, ambiguity and uncertainty with confidence, openness, positive energy, and optimism

To work as a team member caring for and administering to sows and piglets to assure optimum productivity. This person will assist where needed, working with animals and light facility repair and maintenance.

• Adhere to ISF bio-security policy at all times and report any violations to management
• Adhere to ISF animal wellbeing policy at all times and know reporting procedures when incidents occur
• Adhere to ISF safety policies and procedures and wear appropriate PPE for the task
• The 3 key responsibilities listed above are tracked via audits; you play a critical role in the success of audits for the entire farm, which affects incentive payouts
• Care and management of animals to ensure that:
  Animals are fed;
  Water is available;
  Daily observation and treatment of sick animals;
  Evaluation and maintenance of overall animal conditions;
  Timely euthanasia when needed
• Care and management of facilities to ensure that:
  Fans, curtains, heaters and equipment work properly;
  Ventilation is adjusted for proper environment;
  Facilities are kept clean, including power washing and disinfecting
• Maintain accurate records using ISF forms and protocols
• Procure, administer and dispense medications and vaccinations per ISF protocols
• Perform heat detection, artificial insemination and pregnancy checks
• Monitor and assist in the farrowing process
• Process, vaccinate and castrate piglets at appropriate times
• Proper handling of chemicals (storage and application)
• Set litters per ISF protocols; wean pigs according to farm protocols
• Follow dead removal protocols and ensure safety and biosecurity procedures are followed
• Move animals (sows, boars and piglets) using safe handling practices
• All other duties as assigned by manager or supervisor
• Demeanor should be positive and professional at all times
• Daily focus should be on welfare of animals
• Attendance is critical; be at work on scheduled days and ready to work at start time
• Be friendly, positive, helpful, team-oriented and respectful to co-workers and management

• Adhere to Iowa Select Farms bio-security policy and report violations or concerns to management
• Compliance with safety policies and procedures; maintain a safe work environment
• Follow animal wellbeing policy and partner with the Production Well-being team if incidents occur

• Leadership and Collaboration
• Work ethic and Dedication
• Demonstrated Success
• Time management and Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving and Initiative
• Trusted with Responsibility
• Respect
• Communication
• Accountability
• Ability to learn and teach

• Position is performed indoors
• Environment may change daily with schedule
• Some tasks may be performed in extreme outside weather conditions
• Noise level can be loud
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibrations
• Winter months may have nuisance levels of gases and dust

• Stand, walk, sit; use hands to manipulate objects; reach with hands and arms
• Read and write
• Lift up to 40 pounds; climb ladders and over gates
• Continuous repetitive movements as needed

• Full-time or part-time; full-time typically 40 hours/week
• Part-time cannot exceed an average of 30 hours/week over the year
• Scheduling and hours based on availability and farm needs
• Additional availability may be required during staffing challenges
• Weekend and holiday rotations required

• No travel is required

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  None required
• Bilingual:
  Not required

• This job description is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned or changed…