ANIMAL CARETAKER I

Responsibilities

• Learn and develop individual skills based on work requirements in the designated work area.
• Work in a cohesive team environment to provide essential care to the animals.
• Basic sow/gilt handling: feeding, watering, and moving.
• Operate machinery and equipment.
• Assist with farrowing (birth).
• Assist with breeding (artificial insemination).
• Handle and use chemicals safely.
• Vaccinate and medicate sows and piglets.
• Clean afterbirth, dead pigs, and perform scraping.
• Use computer equipment, including hand‑held devices and electronic wands.
• Load and unload pigs as scheduled.
• Maintain farm cleanliness.
• Adhere to all biosecurity standards, including showering in and out of facilities.

Success Factors

At 90 days of employment, if supervision level is 30% or less, a move to Animal Care Technician 2 will be warranted. If 100% supervision is required, the employee remains at Animal Care Technician 1 with further 30‑day reviews. This assessment is skills‑based and tied to a defined timeframe.

Qualifications

• Previous animal care experience preferred but not required.
• Team‑oriented, self‑motivated, and positive individual with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to learn or already possess technology knowledge for hand‑held devices, wands, and related equipment.
• Reliable transportation to and from a rural work site.
• Willingness to work weekend and holiday hours on a rotational basis.

Working Conditions

• Standing, walking, and being on feet 8–10 hours per day.
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, and kneeling.
• Frequent use of one or both arms to grasp or pull.
• Frequent lifting of objects weighing 3–20 pounds.
• Occasional bending while pulling or lifting objects up to 50 pounds or requiring up to 50 pounds of force.
• Occasional bending while pulling or lifting objects up to 100 pounds or requiring up to 100 pounds of force.
• Ability to print and write legibly.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate all office equipment.
• Ability to work in animal confinement conditions.
• Extended hours required as needed.

Pay

$18.35 per hour.

Schedule

12 days on, 2 days off; work weekend and holiday hours on a rotational basis; extended hours as needed.