Animal Caretaker - GDU - Diagonal, IA

Overview

Join to apply for the Animal Caretaker - GDU - Diagonal, IA role at Iowa Select Farms
. This position focuses on caring for feeder pigs and gilts to assure optimum productivity, with responsibilities including animal care, and light facility repair and maintenance.

Gilt Development Unit Animal Caretaker

GDU Manager

• Adhere to ISF bio-security policy at all times and report to management team any violation.
• Adhere to ISF animal wellbeing policy at all times and know reporting procedures when incident occurs.
• Adhere to ISF safety policies and procedures and wear appropriate safety equipment (PPE) for appropriate tasks and work in a safe manner.
• The 3 key responsibilities listed above are tracked via audits; you play a critical role in the success of audits for the entire farm which also impacts incentive payouts.
• Care and management of animals to ensure that: proper feeding; water availability; daily observation and treatment of sick animals; evaluation and maintenance of overall animal conditions; timely euthanasia when needed.
• Care and management of facilities to ensure that: fans, curtains, heaters and other equipment are functioning; ventilation is adjusted; facilities are kept clean (including power washing and disinfecting).
• Maintain accurate records using ISF forms and protocols; procure, administer and dispense medications and vaccinations according to ISF protocols.
• Perform heat detection, artificial insemination and pregnancy checks.
• Proper handling of chemicals (storage and application).
• Follow dead removal protocols, including driving farm equipment/tractors; ensure safety and biosecurity procedures are followed.
• Move animals (gilts and boars) using safe handling practices.
• Provide feedback to farm manager.
• Receive, sort and pen incoming pigs; assist with loading and unloading activities.
• Perform month-end inventories on animals and supplies.
• Demeanor should be positive and professional at all times; daily focus on welfare of animals.
• Attendance is critical. Be at work on scheduled days and ready to work at start time.
• Be friendly, positive, helpful, team-oriented and respectful to co-workers and management team.
• Flexibility in hours during health and staffing challenges is required.

• Bilingual: Not required
• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  None required
• Minimum Qualifications: This role requires motivation, ability to follow directions, initiative, organization and dependability. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and to climb over gates up to 48 inches; ability to push, pull, bend and kneel. Regular walking and standing; use of hands to handle objects, tools, controls, or animals; occasional reaching, climbing or balancing; speaking and listening.
  
  Strong teamwork and effective communication are essential. Direct contact with animals requires stockmanship and bio-security practices. Must be able to work in all facilities within the job description requirements.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Other

• Farming