Overview
Cross Roads Sow is a family-owned agricultural production company dedicated to the sustainable production of high-quality pork. We pride ourselves on utilizing progressive, innovative methods to train and empower independent farmers to raise healthy swine. By working collaboratively with our farming partners and team members, we are able to achieve long-term sustainability that meets the highest standards for our customers. If you are seeking a challenging, rewarding career and have a passion for animal care, we invite you to join our growing team.
Responsibilities and Duties
Our Swine Technician program allows you to work through a training and development plan on your way to securing a position within our farm(s). All swine technicians that work for a Northern Ag Solutions/Cross Roads Sow managed farm will have the following skill sets:
1. Daily monitoring and evaluation of all livestock health and condition.
2. Maintain accurate records and submit them in a timely manner to the supervisor.
3. Ensure that the farm’s work environment is safe by using safety equipment and following safety protocols.
4. Monitor and report thermal environment for the animals.
5. Feed, water and provide treatment for sows and/or pigs in hospital pens.
6. Perform routine maintenance and pressure washing as needed.
7. Following approved SOP guidelines, monitor daily feed and water intake for the animals.
8. Assist in moving sows, boars and piglets as directed by Supervisor.
9. Follow animal welfare policies and procedures including providing a physical environment that meets animals’ needs; provide access to adequate water and high-quality feed; provide humane treatment of the animals; provide identification and appropriate treatment of the animals in need of health care; and follow the direct guidelines for permissible euthanasia.
10. Understand and follow set Northern Ag Solutions Biosecurity Protocols.
Core Departments
At Cross Roads Sow, Swine Technicians specialize in one or more core departments: Breeding and Gestation, Farrowing, or Nursery/Gilt Development. While each department operates independently, our teams work cohesively toward shared goals. We foster a culture of mutual respect across all departments, recognizing that collaboration is vital to the success of our livestock development.
All swine technicians will have the above outlined responsibilities and duties. However, technician jobs and responsibilities can be further detailed within each department of the barn(s). Position responsibilities for an Animal Breeder working in the Breeding and Gestation Department also include, but are not limited to:
1. Working together as a team with the other employees and supervisors in the barn to achieve daily sow management goals. Every day, gilt and sows must be bred, and accurate records must be maintained. These skill sets are very important to the success and health of the pigs we produce and develop.
2. An Animal Breeder technician must assist in the daily processes of heat checking, boar handling, monitoring sows in an open gestated barn environment, health monitoring and management of sows who need medical attention.
3. An Animal Breeder technician must perform the technique of artificial insemination and breeding of the sows and gilts. Each type of pig has their own proven technique to establish a viable pregnancy and it is very important that the protocols set out by Farview Farms, LLC are followed to achieve pregnant status.
4. An Animal Breeder technician must monitor the sow and gilt pregnancy status, following established protocols for Farview Farms, LLC.
5. An Animal Breeder technician must assist and be able to conduct the movement and organization of all animals inside the gestation barn as instructed by a supervisor or already established inside the gestation barn.
6. An Animal Breeder technician must be able to monitor the feed levels of feed bins associated with the barn and report levels to the barn manager. This happens 3x per week.
7. An Animal Breeder technician will be expected to make sure that all animals are fed.
8. An Animal Breeder technician must be able to keep accurate breeding, mortality, push-list, identification, medication and feed records. The technician should be comfortable writing and have legible penmanship.
9. An Animal Breeder technician must be comfortable administering medications when necessary and as instructed by the veterinarian or supervisor.
10. An Animal Breeder technician must be able to recognize and report any and all maintenance concerns to the Maintenance Of Operations technician who can address the issue.
11. An Animal Breeder technician must maintain the environment inside the gestation barn. This includes keeping a clean and organized environment, power washing crates and pens, properly removing animals from the barn(s) as directed, respecting equipment and upkeep of the barn equipment and tools, scraping or managing compost.
12. An Animal Breeder technician must be willing and able to assist the Farrowing Department when needed following farrowing job description guidelines.
Some position responsibilities that an Animal Breeder technician might be required to assist a Swine Care technician working in the Farrowing Department can include, but are not limited to:
1. Records births and mortality daily on sow cards provided and submit them to a lead in a timely manner.
2. Process litters daily. Processing includes, but is not limited to, castration, iron shots, tail docking, vaccinations.
3. Assist sows when having farrowing difficulties. Assisting cesarean procedures with trained staff members. Medicate sows when needed – following set veterinary approved protocols.
4. Schedule, organize & move sows, litters, pigs, boars and gilt groups within the departments of the barn(s).
Teamwork and Workplace Culture
For Cross Roads Sow, a successful day means completing all daily responsibilities within your designated area while supporting the broader team. Collaboration is a core strategy of our operations. While Animal Breeder technicians focus on their specific duties, they must understand and respect the roles of colleagues in other departments.
We operate on the principle that every position is equally vital to the facility's overall success. Our team members work independently yet cohesively to achieve our goals. To maintain a safe and productive environment, we require professional conduct at all times. Disrespectful behavior, interpersonal conflicts, or unprofessional conduct are strictly prohibited and will be addressed immediately by management.
Role Requirements & Qualifications
To be considered for this role, applicants must possess:
- Graduated High School, earned equivalent GED Diploma or are equally educated in their nation to perform position job(s) and can prove educational background.
- Two years of experience working with livestock, swine preferred.
- Strong interest in working with animals and a desire to learn and self-develop.
- Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude.
- Detail oriented and meticulous.
- Dependable and able to work with minimal supervision.
- 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.
- Willing and able to read, write and speak simple sentences in English.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a reliable form of transportation to and from work premise?
- Do you have a reliable form of communication such as a cell phone?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
