Careers @ Hershey AG

JOB STATUS:  Full-time, exempt

REPORTS TO:  Farm Manager

JOB SUMMARY:  The Swine Technician provides care for the sows and piglets on a sow farm.    The position involves working in an agricultural environment with continuous hands-on interaction with livestock and regular structured routines.  The Swine Technician performs duties in accordance with company policies (SOP) and pursuing the mission of “Superior Production Systems.”

DISEASE PREVENTION:  This position must adhere to shower in / shower out guidelines as outlined in the Biosecurity Policy.

ANIMAL WELFARE:  This position must adhere to the Animal Handling Policies as outlined in Employee Handbook.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Daily monitor and evaluate sow health and condition.
2. Following approved SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) guidelines, feed and water animals daily.
3. Maintain accurate records and submit them to supervisor in a timely manner.
4. Monitor and maintain thermal environment for sows and piglets.
5. Maintain feed inventory and order feed according to SOP.
6. Perform routine maintenance, cleaning and pressure washing as directed by supervisor.
7. Ensure that the farm’s work environment is safe by using safety equipment and following all safety protocols.
8. Assist in moving sows, boars and piglets as directed by Supervisor.
9. Report herd health, thermal environment, safety, or other concerns to Supervisor as outlined in SOP.

Position responsibilities for a Technician working in the Breeding and Gestation Department also include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the processes of heat checking, artificial insemination, and monitoring of sow pregnancy status, following Hershey Ag established protocols.
• Assist the Farrowing (Birthing) Department when needed following Farrowing Position Responsibilities.

Position responsibilities for a Technician working in the Farrowing (Birthing) Department include, but are not limited to:

• Record deaths and births daily on sow cards provided and submit them in a timely manner.
• Process litters daily. Processing includes, but is not limited to, castration, administering iron shots, tail docking, and teeth clipping.
• Assist sows when having farrowing difficulties.
• Administer routine and seasonal vaccinations and injections per SOP.
• Assist in Breeding and Gestation Department when needed following Breeding and Gestation Position Responsibilities.

EDUCATION:  High school diploma or GED preferred; not required.  Ability to read, write and speak simple sentences in English. 

EXPERIENCE:  Entry level position; no experience required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidate must possess the following characteristics:

• Must be willing to learn and understand animal behaviors.
• Must be able to tolerate and willing to learn and perform the following tasks: euthanasia, artificial insemination, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging, tattooing, pressure washing and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.
• Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
• Must support the Company’s mission of Superior Production Systems.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to change.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and be a team player.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.  Must be prepared to euthanize piglets when necessary.  Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.  Physical mobility and agility are key to performing these job functions as you are continually working around large, unpredictable and potentially dangerous sows. Must be able to climb over gates and into pens and be able to move quickly while in the presence of grouped sows.  Repetitive bending and lifting of piglets required.  Must be available Monday through Friday, with some weekend / holiday coverage required.