Hybrid Health & Production Specialist presso Suidae Health & Production

Job Summary 

The Health & Production Specialist directs and oversees the day-to-day operations of swine within sow farms, grow finish sites, and research sites that are managed by Suidae Health & Production that are assigned to their direct supervision.  

The Health and Production Specialist is under general direction and works from policies and general objectives approved by the management of Suidae Health & Production.  

Essential duties & responsibilities: 

1.Management of all Suidae Innovative Research projects  

• This includes completing startup checklist prior to each study starting, ensuring all equipment and supplies are available and accessible when needed, recording, and organizing all data and samples after collection, understanding where samples are to be stored and how to access them at a later time, oversight of health and management of all pigs on trial, being present and in charge of in-barn data collection days 

2.Provides clear direction to farm managers and growers giving them constructive feedback to optimize farm and research trial productivity 

• Gilt development, consistently achieving breeding and farrowing throughput targets, pigs shipped targets, and herd efficiency levels 

• As needed, to provide hands-on problem-solving support to improve any areas of farm, pig, and research trial management 

• Support all workers in developing their skill level 

3.Ensures that facilities and equipment are properly maintained by self and farm personnel 

• Includes cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance of any equipment associated with research 

• Includes organization of supplies within the research room 

• Ensures that biosecurity protocols are in place and being met 

4.Data export and entry 

• Ensuring all farm data and research trail data is entered in a timely manner 

• Exporting and managing data from data collection systems, like LeeO or MetaFarms, when necessary 

• Utilize data in decision making 

5.May assist in coordinating replacement gilt orders for the sow farm with genetic source vendors and ensures animal flow projections submitted by the unit manager meet piglet quality and farm productivity optimization expectations when necessary. 

6.Work with and communicate regularly with Suidae veterinarians, Director of Production, and production staff regarding pig health, status, and research trial progress 

• Site visits regularly to ensure protocols and expectations are being met (minimum every 2-3 weeks, depending on schedule). These visits would include a written report for filing. 

• Attend scheduled meetings: Suidae Innovative Research, Production, Ownership 

• May provide “cost control” oversight for owners to ensure budgeted financial performance is being met when necessary 

7. Team player mentality towards all aspects of Suidae’s business and open to support other areas when needed or requested 

• Collaborates with, and supports, other Suidae personnel in meeting their farm management responsibilities. Including human resources, veterinarian, record keeping, herd health, supply ordering, pig flow
  coordination and accounting. 

• Willingness to be flexible and assist veterinarians for sample collections outside of research (due to ability and technical skillset)  

• Learning and then assisting in implementation and training of all new technologies  

• Assisting in development of research ideas and protocols  

8. Travel throughout assigned management services region, including occasional overnight stays