Breeding Lead

 Team Leader

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Assists unit manager in overseeing all daily operations and activities performed in the gestation department.  May include, but is not limited to, aspects of staff development and teaching, pig production, and accurate record collecting for PigChamp bureau.  It is imperative that the gestation team leader understands, and be able to perform, all aspects of operation of the breeding department.  The gestation team leader is a vital link in the production chain ensuring steady flow of bred animals to the farrowing department.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education – High school graduate; also prefer technical school education in farm management and continuing education seminars.

Experience– Minimum of 2 years experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a modern pork production system.  A history of team approach is also necessary.

Skills and Abilities– Dependable, proven problem solving, organizational and time management skills; proven skills in effective communication and leadership.

Physical Requirements – Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors most of the day.  Ability to lift live pigs weighing up to 15 pounds.  Ability to assist in moving dead animals, 400+ pounds.  Ability to handle (move by pushing or herding) adult pigs, 200-500 pounds.  Ability to kneel and bend at waist for long periods of time.  Ability to tolerate dust, animal dander, odors and noise.  (Particle masks and ear protection are provided.)

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supervises all aspects of the gestation / breeding department:

1. Oversees personnel development and training:

1. Aids manager in recruiting and hiring new production personnel.
2. Once hired, trains and aids in evaluating employees.
3. Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules
4. Assists manger in preparing job descriptions for team members; then periodically updates as changes in job warrant.
5. Seeks assistance from unit manager in motivating team.

1. Oversees all areas of breeding performance:

1. Monitors and coordinates breeding schedule.
2. Regulates environmental controls for all animals in gestation barns
3. Manages feedings systems and monitors diets; oversees daily feeding and chores.
4. Ensures animal welfare and health needs are met.
5. Routinely checks and repairs facilities and equipment
6. Communicates concerns / issues daily with farrowing team leader and sow unit manager and discusses farm flow.
7. Responsible for quality of sows / gilts sent to farrowing.
8. Ensures accurate farm records.
9. Submits weekly report to manger to accompany weekly sheet for PCM:
   1. Recaps weekly challenges and successes
   2. Works to keep PCM / FVC updated on issues.
   3. Submits weekly production records to PigChamp bureau.
   4. Works to prevent errors in records.
   5. Responsible for correcting errors in PigChamp.

1. Assists operations manger and veterinary consultants with:

1. Planning short / long term goals for production team.
2. Understanding of day to day farm issues.

1. Communicates with managers and farrowing department team leader regularly:

1. Works with unit manager to plan pig flow to meet production goals.
2. Keeps abreast of concerns in other areas (farrowing, nursery).
3. Keeps farrowing team leader informed of pig flow plan and any issues that may affect quality of pigs going into farrowing.

1. Sets cleaning schedule to maintain a clean, safe, and biosecure unit:

1. Maintains a proper cleaning schedule and maintenance schedule.
2. Follows biosecurity protocol set forth by veterinary consultant and PCM.
3. Works to provide a unit which is safe and efficient to both personnel and animals and ensures overall welfare of both.

1. Teaches:

1. Meets regularly with team for problem solving.
2. Trains workers to become supervisors themselves.
3. Instructs staff on all aspects of breeding gestation management.
4. Make sure that each team member understands the expectations and performance requirements of his / her job.
5. Teaches staff to work as a team

1. Continuing education / development:

1. Seeks to learn and further develop leadership skills.
2. Develops personal goals and mission.
3. Community oriented.
4. Presents professional image of the farm and PCM
5. PQA Level III certified