Temporary or Casual - Farm Animal Attendant

The successful applicant will be expected to work primarily with swine in an indoor setting. They will perform tasks working individually or as part of a collaborative team effort. UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center is a 930 acre research farm located in Waseca, MN. As an active farming and research operation, SROC has research programs in the areas of Agronomy, Dairy, Horticulture, Nematology, Soil Management, Renewable Energy, and Swine.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
(These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit assignment of related tasks but are consistent with Farm Animal Attendant class description)
Herd Health (30% of time)
* Ensure bio-security protocols are followed as directed
* Observe and care for swine during gestation, farrowing, and finishing
* Process newborn piglets
* Inspect and record daily health and condition of pigs.
* Identify and isolate sick animals as needed for treatment
* Provide treatment or preventative procedures as directed by veterinarian or supervisor.
* Vaccinate animals according to herd health protocol.
* Keep routine management records up to date and accurate on paper and in digital form
Feeding (25% of time)
* Feed the animals while monitoring water and feed systems.
* Maintain feed drop and make feeder adjustments as needed.
* Hand feeding and weighing of feed as directed
* Train swine to utilize electronic feed stations
Research (20% of time)
* Weigh sows and offspring while collecting individual samples
* Conduct identification of animals for detailed record keeping
* Allocate pigs to specific trials
* Precisely follow directives within research protocols
* Collect data outlined in experimental protocols
* Help students complete experimental work when needed
Herd Reproduction (15% of time)
* Check sows for signs of heat and artificially inseminate sows
* Follow directives on breeding procedure
* Perform pregnancy checks of sows and gilts
* Keep detailed breeding, conception and birth records.
Maintenance and Cleaning (10% of time)
* Power washing, scraping and disinfecting of barns, pens, stalls, feeders, and other animal equipment and facilities
* Makes minor repairs and maintains tools and equipment
* Monitor ventilation, heating systems, feeding systems
* Be available to respond to alarm calls

Essential Qualifications:
* High School graduate with three years' experience in swine related animal care or combination of academic coursework and related work experience to total 3 years.
* The ability to: walk or stand for the majority of day; bend, climb, kneel; carry, lift, push and pull 75 lbs. or more. Work in all animal environments including odors, noise, dust, both indoors and outdoors
* Good communication skills
* Be able to operate farm equipment such as tractor and loader, skid loader, truck and 5th wheel trailer and related equipment.

Pay Range: $22.17; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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