Canadian Swine Academy is recruiting on behalf of Dykstra Farms, a family-owned agricultural business, located near Peterborough, Ontario. We are looking for a Gilt Development Unit (GDU) Manager/Specialist to join the team and oversee the selection, growth, and preparation of young female pigs entering our breeding herd.
Position Responsibilities:
- Primary responsibility for the care, health, and development of animals within the Gilt Development Unit (GDU)
- Managing the introduction, selection, and acclimatization of incoming gilts to ensure a steady supply of high-health replacements for the breeding herd
- Assisting with daily chores at other sites as needed
Job Duties:
- Be responsible for daily chores, i.e. feeding, watering, animal health check, sweeping, scraping, and monitoring of GDU barn temperature/ventilation
- Administer medication and vaccinations for treatment and prevention of disease in young gilts
- Monitor gilt growth rates, body condition, and physical soundness to determine selection suitability
- Perform heat stimulation and heat detection (boar exposure) to track and record estrus cycles
- Manage gilt movements, sorting, and shipping/receiving of animals to the main breeding facilities
- Remove dead animals daily and put in pickup area without crossing biosecurity line
- Keep all animals tagged, identified, and tracked by cohort
- Communicate with supervisor and breeding team about gilt flow, target numbers, selection rates, health, and any team projects
- Cooperate with weekend and holiday schedules and as needed
- Assist in training of co-workers
- Assist with team projects or any other reasonable duty that may be requested by supervisor or as needed
- Cleaning facilities and power washing (prepare rooms, wash, and set up)
- Perform routine and minor equipment maintenance and repairs on building and equipment
- Work as necessary on team projects and to finish duties daily as a team unit
- Work efficiently to maintain work schedule. Working until all work is done for the day
- Keeping detailed, timely, and accurate records of gilt ages, vaccinations, and heat dates
- Understand and follow strict bio-security protocols
Requirements for Application:
- Desire to keep the animals and the barn in excellent condition
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Able to read, write and speak English
- Availability and willingness to work every other weekend
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience working with livestock, specifically swine selection or breeding management
- Strong understanding of gilt development, herd health, and biosecurity protocols
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented
Compensation:
- $60,000–$72,000 annual salary depending on experience
- Eligibility for bonus system
The successful applicant can expect to join a team of devoted individuals, receive extensive training, and become engaged in a dynamic industry. This family business prioritizes its employees, the animals in their care, and their community. This employer offers staff excellent remuneration packages, including competitive wages and benefits.
Please apply via this platform or by emailing: [email protected]
Pay: $60,000.00-$72,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
