Our MissionTo be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services for customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.Our foundation & our strength is in our valuesDETERMINATION | SIMPLICITY | AVAILABILITY | HUMILITY | SINCERITY | DISCIPLINE | OWNERSHIPJob Title: Animal Breeder IIIStarting Pay: $19.85 /hourReporting to: Farm ManagerDepartment/Location of Position: Houstonia, MOThis position is responsible for assisting the farm meet production goals while promoting safety and well-being of self and other team members. Adheres at all times to Animal Welfare and Bio-Security protocols, guidelines, and procedures at all times.Essential Responsibilities:
Advanced sow/gilt care and handling (feeding/watering/moving/ventilation)
Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary
Understanding and ability to conduct advanced breeding functions (artificial insemination, heat check, day-one pig care)
Ability to perform necropsy and collection of tissue sample including PUC sampling
Treat minor injuries and ailments
Communicate with appropriate management and/or veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries
Stock supplies of feed and medicines
Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics
Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury
Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets
Brand, tattoo, or tag animals for animal identification
Place vaccines in drinking water, inject vaccines, or dust air with vaccine powder to protect animals from diseases
Exercise animals to keep them in healthy condition
Adjust controls to maintain specific building temperatures required for animals' health and safety
Maintain logs of semen specimens used and animals bred
Inject prepared animal semen into female animals for breeding purposes, by inserting nozzle of syringe into vagina and depressing syringe plunger
Prepare containers of semen for freezing and storage or shipment, placing them in dry ice or liquid nitrogen
Package and label semen to be used for artificial insemination, recording information such as the date, source, quality, and concentration
Adhere to animal welfare guidelines
Experience with or ability to learn farm technology (hand held devices/wand sows and other equipment, as necessary)
Attend safety meetings
Cleaning and disinfection of facilities, including removal of mortality and waste
Check feed system and fill lines
Production/facility housekeeping duties
Any other tasks assigned by Assistant or Manager
Required Qualifications :
4-year degree in related field or equivalent experience in a similar production environment
Regular and reliable transportation
Basic math & computer skills.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to safely lift 50 pounds.
Attention to detail.
Ability to clean and organize work areas.
Interpersonal skills for working with other employees.
Continual walking and/or standing, up to 95% of the day
Available to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Bio-Security and Power washing
Familiarity with swine production
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits :
Benefits : Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
Paid Time Off : sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s quarterly bonus plan: the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program;
Better Futures Program – Online Classes or select 2 Year Community College tuition paid for you or your dependents!
Supervisor Development Program: Opportunity to grow your career through leadership training.
Travel: May travel 1-3 times per yearThe company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control ACT requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of workWomen, protected veterans, and Individuals with disabilitiesAll individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.EOE/Vet/Disability