Job Type: Full-time
Location: Lafayette, MN (for local candidates)
Pay: $16.00–$20.00 per hour, depending on experience (DOE)
Shift & Schedule: The typical schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with rotating weekend coverage. Actual hours may vary slightly by location or operational needs.
Overview:
As an Animal Care Technician, you will play an essential role in the daily care and handling of pigs in a professional farm environment. This hands-on role supports the health, comfort, and well-being of the animals while upholding high standards for cleanliness, safety, and biosecurity.
This is a full-time position only. While we occasionally offer short-term or summer opportunities for students, this particular role is not part-time or seasonal.
This position is open to both local candidates and is also open to eligible applicants under the USMCA TN Visa program.
Local candidates will work at our Lafayette, MN farm location.
TN Visa applicants must be willing to accept placement at any of our farm locations, based on operational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care for pigs, including feeding, breeding, farrowing, and weaning
- Assist with vaccinations and processing of piglets
- Safely move animals and clean animal housing areas
- Perform power washing and maintain a sanitary environment
- Monitor feed, water, and ventilation systems to support animal health
- Record accurate farm and animal data
- Contribute to team goals and special projects as needed
- Follow all safety and biosecurity procedures strictly
Physical Demands:
This position requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in barns where you may be exposed to strong odors, animal waste, disinfectants, dust, and loud noise. Candidates must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Please inform us of any medical conditions or allergies that could affect your ability to work in this environment.
Qualifications:
- Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication)
- Effective verbal communication and teamwork
- Reliable and consistent attendance
Preferred (Not Required):
- Experience in animal care or swine production
- Valid Driver’s License or access to reliable transportation
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) communication skills are a plus
- Basic computer skills, such as entering data into farm management systems, using email, or completing digital training modules, are a plus.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Life insurance
- Paid time off (PTO): You’ll earn 4.93 hours of PTO per pay period—equivalent to 16 days per year, starting on your first day of employment
Work Authorization:
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the Form I-9 and verification of work eligibility.
For TN Visa Applicants (USMCA – Mexico):
In accordance with TN Visa requirements under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), candidates applying under the TN Visa program must meet the following qualifications and be prepared to submit all required documentation:
Minimum Requirements:
- A valid Mexican passport with at least 2 years of remaining validity
- A qualifying degree in one of the following fields (recognized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and USCIS):
- MVZ – Médico Veterinario Zootecnista (Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry)
- MV – Médico Veterinario (Veterinary Medicine)
- IAZ – Ingeniero Agrónomo Zootecnista (Agronomist Zootechnician Engineer)
- ISP – Ingeniería en Sistemas Pecuarios (Engineering in Livestock Systems)
- Licenciatura en Zootecnia (Animal Science)
- Licenciatura en Producción Animal (Animal Production)
- Licenciatura en Ciencias Pecuarias (Livestock Sciences)
If you are unsure whether your degree qualifies or need help preparing these documents, we are happy to support you during the application and visa process.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.