What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farrowing Technician position at Gibby Group Inc.?
Farrowing Technician
The Farrowing Technician is responsible for providing daily care to sows and newborn piglets throughout the farrowing process. This position assists with farrowing, neonatal pig care, piglet processing, animal health monitoring, facility sanitation, and production recordkeeping while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and operational excellence.
The Farrowing Technician plays a vital role in maximizing piglet survival, supporting sow health, and ensuring a clean, safe, and productive farrowing environment. This individual is expected to take pride in maintaining a world-class farrowing department that supports a world-class pig farm operation.
Key Responsibilities
Farrowing Operations
- Assist sows during the farrowing process and provide support as needed.
- Monitor sows before, during, and after farrowing to ensure their health and well-being.
- Provide immediate care to newborn piglets to promote health and survival.
- Assist with fostering, piglet movement, and other activities that support litter performance.
Piglet Care & Processing
- Process piglets according to established company protocols, including identification, vaccinations, treatments, and other routine procedures.
- Monitor piglet growth, health, and development throughout the farrowing phase.
- Administer medications and treatments as directed by management or veterinary personnel.
- Observe piglets for signs of illness or injury and promptly report concerns.
Animal Health & Welfare
- Monitor the health and condition of sows and piglets daily.
- Ensure humane handling and care of all animals in accordance with company animal welfare standards.
- Assist with treatment protocols and herd health programs.
- Support disease prevention and biosecurity initiatives throughout the department.
Facility Maintenance & Biosecurity
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain farrowing rooms, equipment, feeders, and water systems.
- Follow strict biosecurity procedures to prevent disease introduction and transmission.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
- Properly dispose of waste materials according to company procedures.
Recordkeeping
- Maintain accurate treatment records, production records, and daily observations.
- Record farrowing information, piglet processing activities, and animal health data accurately.
- Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
- Assist with inventory tracking of medications and department supplies as needed.
Teamwork & Continuous Improvement
- Work cooperatively with other team members to achieve production goals.
- Follow established standard operating procedures and company policies.
- Identify opportunities to improve animal care, efficiency, and department performance.
- Maintain clean, organized, and professional work areas.
- Take ownership and pride in every aspect of the farrowing department.
- Help create and maintain a world-class farrowing department that supports a world-class pig farm operation.
Qualifications and Skills
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience in swine production, breeding, livestock production, or animal care is preferred but not required.
- On-the-job training will be provided.
Core Skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow established procedures.
- Excellent observation skills for heat detection and identifying animal health concerns.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Technical Skills
- Ability to safely handle livestock.
- Understanding of or willingness to learn swine reproduction, artificial insemination, and breeding procedures.
- Basic computer skills for production recordkeeping.
- Knowledge of biosecurity and animal welfare practices is preferred.
Working Conditions
- Full-time position with on-site responsibilities in a livestock production environment.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working directly with livestock.
- Regular exposure to agricultural facilities and varying weather conditions.
- Weekend, holiday, and occasional after-hours work may be required to support breeding schedules and production needs.
Pay Type: Hourly
FLSA Classification: Exempt
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions an employee may be required to perform, and the employer may require an employee to perform additional functions as assigned. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description.