What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gilt Development Unit (GDU) Technician position at Schwartz Farms, Inc.?
As a family company, Schwartz Farms, Inc. is committed to caring for its people and animals by demonstrating the values of humility, care, integrity, discipline, and excellence. Known for quality pork production, SFI is a proud advocate of creating opportunities for rural communities with presence in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. As a premier pork producer, Schwartz Farms embraces itself for a challenging and rewarding future.
We are seeking individuals who demonstrate these values in a GDU Technician role. Specifically, the GDU Technician is responsible for the following activities:
Production/Production Scheduling:
- Daily walk through of Gilt Development Unit to monitor herd health and welfare assigned by Barn Manager
- Be responsible for daily care of animals
- Closely communicate with Barn Manager in regards to herd health issues
- Monitor water settings assigned by Barn Manager
- Ensure proper barn ventilation, understand and know controllers
- Monitor feed levels of sites assigned by Barn Manager, coordinate with Barn Manager and Feed Procurement Specialist at the SFI office on ordering and any other feed issues, up to and including climbing bins to accurately determine feed levels.
- Conduct artificial breeding, as directed
- Perform daily heat checks on cycling gilts
- Perform routine and seasonal vaccinations, as directed
- Perform general feed maintenance on bred and open gilts
- Assist with weekly inventory counts
- Ensure a clean work and clean animal living environment
- Assist in power washing, as assigned
- Report any findings of pit foaming or crusting to Barn Manager
- General barn maintenance and upkeep to ensure animal welfare and health
- Assist in filling and emptying of GDU with gilts
- Advocate and engage in SFI's animal welfare policy, including promoting animal well-being, remedying circumstances which impede animal care, and properly reporting instances of mistreatment or abuse
- Ensure that SFI training program requirements, and procedures are being met and followed
- Ensure the highest level of a safe work environment and safe work practices
- Ensure and maintain as directed that all SFI bio-security policies and procedures are followed and enforced
- Exhibit strong teamwork, including working to achieve team goals, embracing new technologies, working on new projects, etc.
- Be capable of lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodation
- Additional duties may be assigned as they arise.
Documentation
- Assist in maintaining all gilt breeding records and documentation on gilt removal records, transactions, and treatment records
- Maintain PQA certification status
The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
- Monday to Friday, every 3rd weekend rotation. Holiday work rotations as established by Manager.