Farm Animal Attendant (FAA)

The successful applicant will work a 40-hour week on a rotating schedule, typically between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Sundays are required. This schedule will include work on every third weekend and holidays in rotation with other team members to care for and feed animals 7 days a week and carry out research protocols. 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)

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 per hour (Step 1); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (Teamsters Local 320)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).