Nursery Manager (59825)

This position is located in Stuart, Nebraska.

Sandy Pine is a multigenerational, family-owned farming operation based in Nebraska. We specialize in producing the highest quality pigs for our customers around the country and transport them all over the world. We are made up of multiple farm locations, all strategically located to provide our pigs with the safest and healthiest environment. Because of this commitment to excellence, we provide the highest quality swine genetics in the industry.

The position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the nursery department within a finishing or sow farm facility, including managing department employees in the day-to-day care for animals housed in the barn, including health of animals in accordance with safety standards and humane practices.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supports site manager in enforcement of company policies and procedures, providing employees with proper training to ensure tasks are performed according to company standards and safety requirements.
• Collaborates with other departments on scheduling and organization of daily, weekly and monthly personnel activities, including short-long term goals for the gestation department.
• Monitors the health of all animals in the nursery department, including behavioral changes, temperature changes, body condition score, daily heat check and AI on sows and gilts, gives vaccinations and other injections as needed, treats minor injuries or illnesses as they occur, and maintains comprehensive health and production records; supports team to ensure required tasks are performed and additional training is provided.
• Monitors feed, water, timers, and ventilation systems to assure they are working properly and maintaining proper environments for livestock. Addresses issues in a timely manner and ensures repairs are completed.
• Performs routine health checks on animals, including administering medications, vaccinations, spraying wounds, tattooing, collecting blood samples and other related needs.
• Performs timely euthanasia of suffering animals and properly disposes of deceased animals. Ensures that farm personnel handle animals with care and compassion.
• Responsible for following biosecurity standards and herd health policies, which includes mandatory showering and changing into farm clothes prior to entering the farm, having no contact with other swine, and adhering to down-time requirements as established by PIC (Pig Improvement Company).
• Maintain routine maintenance and repair on buildings, equipment, and grounds. Resolve issues that may cause an unsafe working environment and ensure work area is kept clean and orderly to reduce injury.
• Partners with site manager on employment related decisions for department, including formal performance management practices to drive performance, reinforce positive behaviors and enhance production of team.
• Perform other duties as determined by manager in the care and support of animals and farm employees.

Operating Farm Equipment (if applicable to position as determined by management):

• Be properly trained and certified to operate equipment and vehicles (rented or owned) according to the operator's manual and OSHA standards if applicable.
• Check and maintain all fluid levels according to the operator's manual, prior to starting vehicles (trucks, tractors, skid steers, UTV side-by-side, etc.).
• Use only the recommended types of fluids listed in the operator's manual.
• Grease tractors, loaders, skid steers, manure spreader, construction equipment, pay loaders, disk, etc. according to the operator’s manual prior to operation.
• Allow trucks, tractors, skid steers, pay loaders, construction equipment, or any machinery with an engine and fluid levels to warm up all fluid levels including hydraulic oil prior to operation.
• Understand that warranty work can be denied if non-recommended fluids are utilized, or not maintained to the proper level, and not greased.

Benefits

Sandy Pine offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time positions:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Paid Time Off

Job Requirements:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• 1-2 years livestock handling experience preferred.
• 1-2 years experience in management, with proven ability to lead and positively influence others.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide resolution and follow-up to meet needs of facility. 
• Ability to manage time and priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to recognize problems before they occur and take a proactive approach to resolve the issue.
• Ability to manage confrontational situations in a fair, consistent, and prompt manner.
• Ability to work in conditions with varying temperatures, loud noise, odiferous and dust.
• Ability to work around large animals, which can cause injury if handled improperly.
• Demonstrate ability and desire to work closely with animals, providing humane care and treatment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to stand and walk on concreate floors for up to 9 hours per day, with the ability to assist in moving deceased animals that might weigh upwards of 500 pounds.
• Ability to work with moving mechanical parts and vibration while wearing required personal protective equipment and adhering to all safety standards.
• Ability to perform general and routine maintenance and repair on buildings, equipment, and grounds.
• Flexibility to work on rotating weekends (Saturday and Sunday) to provide greater oversight and leadership is required.
• Ability to perform the required functions of the job, including physical demands like pushing heavy feed carts up to 600 feet, handle (move by pushing or herding) adult pigs weighing over 500 pounds, kneel and bend at the waist for long periods of time, climb over 4-foot pens, climb feed bins maintaining 3 points of contact for safety purposes at all times, operate high power washing equipment utilizing proper safety goggles, safety trigger release mechanisms, and waterproof protective clothing and footwear.
• Willingness to take on additional duties as assigned by management.