Position Overview:
This role involves working on a modern, state-of-the-art farrow-to-wean sow farm. It’s an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to kickstart their career in the swine industry and gain hands-on experience in Swine Research & Training. This is a 12-week internship.
Research Project Description
Intern will help create staff training videos while completing a measurable research project, choosing from topics such as Piglet Welfare Management (e.g., separating piglets for colostrum access vs. drying piglets, or drying piglets vs. assisting the sow), Farrowing rate analysis based on sow condition scores, or Sow mortality tracking in relation to condition scores. This allows intern to apply practical skills, collect data, and generate insights that support animal welfare and herd performance. Findings will be presented to the WFR Swine Management team.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Learn and apply WFR core values and contribute to a positive culture.
Complete and take ownership of required research project
Experience all areas of a modern sow systems including farrowing, gestation, forecasting, reporting, and more
Ensuring all animals are receiving proper feed, water, and ventilation
Shipping and receiving animals
Treating animals
Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving
Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
Moving animals with a sort board
Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots
Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
Pen management, culling, sorting
Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
Collect and send blood, saliva, fecal, fluid, and tissue samples for testing as needed.
Experience multiple sow farms as well as other WFR departments
Assist in creating clear and professional training videos to support farm staff education
Maintain confidentiality regarding company information, employee information, production information, biosecurity practices, and other proprietary or confidential information.
Understand & follow WFR’s biosecurity protocol, including showering in and out of the facility when visiting production sites
Understand & follow WFR’s animal welfare policy
Understand & follow WFR’s handbook and procedures
Work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse team, contributing to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
Maintain PQA+ certification
Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.
Education and Experience
Currently enrolled at a college or university, pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary science, or a related field.
Qualifications
Strong interest in agriculture and animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
Strong prioritization and organizational skills
Effectively communicate with team members
Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to grammar, accuracy, and detail
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand, walk, and be on feet for extended periods, typically 8 to 10 hours a day, including concrete, slatted flooring, and wet or uneven surfaces
Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull a minimum of 50 lbs., and occasionally more with assistance
Frequently bend, stoop, reach, squat, and kneel while working with animals and equipment
Capable of repeated actions, including handling animals, tools, and equipment
Occasionally climb stairs and ladders and work in confined or low-clearance areas within barns and production facilities
Ability to comply with biosecurity requirements, including showering in and out of the facility and wearing required personal protective equipment
Sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to safely handle animals, monitor health, and communicate clearly in a noisy farm environment
Work Environment
Schedule: This is a 12-week internship with full-time hours (40-45 hours per week) available each week of the internship. Interns must work scheduled days and hours and are expected to be punctual and reliable.
Environment: Primarily a hog farm setting, both indoors and outdoors, with dusty conditions. Noise level is usually moderate to loud.
Travel: Occasional travel to meetings or other farm sites; overall travel requirements are limited.
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.