Pig Care Technician-GTC (58819)

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.

This position is located in Columbus, Nebraska. 

Job Summary:

The Pig Care Technician is responsible for the day-to-day care for animals housed in the boar stud within our Gene Transfer Center (GTC), including health of animals in accordance with safety standards and humane practices. The position includes general maintenance duties to support the facility needs.

Job Description:

• Responsible for monitoring the health of boars and note any behavioral changes, temperature changes, give vaccinations and other injections as needed, treat minor injuries or illnesses as they occur, care for animals in isolation, collect boar semen, and maintain comprehensive health and production records.
• Adhere to all 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).
• Monitor feed, water, timers, and ventilation systems to assure they are working properly and maintaining proper environments for livestock.
• Perform routine health checks on animals, including administering medications, vaccinations, spraying wounds, tattooing, collecting blood samples and other related needs.
• Power wash and disinfect empty crates, rooms and collection areas for sanitation and bacteria prevention.
• Properly complete euthanasia and dispose of deceased animals.
• Monitor building for air leaks, repair crates, maintain filters, perform general/routine maintenance and repair on buildings, equipment and grounds and bait for rodents.
• Perform general handyman tasks from site maintenance to construction including repairs on equipment, machines, parts replacement, barn repairs, feed bin repairs, electrical wiring, carpentry, welding, oil changes, operate a company vehicle to help with supply movement, etc.
• Perform other duties as determined by manager in the care and support of animals.

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.

Job Qualifications:

• 1 years of swine production experience preferred.
• 1 years of livestock experience preferred.
• 1 years of general handyman (maintenance) experience required, including working knowledge of hand/power tools, carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, machinery and mechanical processes.
• Driver's license required and must be insurable.
• 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.
• 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 lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work with moving mechanical parts and vibration while wearing required personal protective equipment and adhering to all safety standards.
• Demonstrate ability and desire to work closely with animals, providing humane care and treatment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide resolution and follow-up to meet needs of facility.
• Strong communication skills, ability to work independent and collaboratively, and ability to apply independent thinking and judgement.
• Ability to perform general and routine maintenance and repair on buildings, equipment, and grounds.
• Ability to operate computer and lab equipment, farm tractors, pickup and trailer, power generator and other maintenance equipment.
• 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.

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