Farm Animal Attendant

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 8/18/26 and 8/24/26.

Position and/or Unit Overview:

The successful applicant will work a 40-hour week on a rotating schedule, typically between 6 AM and 4:30 PM. This schedule will include work on every third weekend and holidays in rotation with other team members to care for and feed animals 7 days a week and carry out research protocols. The successful applicant will be expected to work primarily with swine in an indoor setting and will be working at times both as an individual and in a team setting. This position will also provide assistance and support to center-wide and program specific outreach activities that may include (not limited to): visitor/field days, school groups, summer camps, tours, and volunteers.

Work Environment: In-person

Location: UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, Minnesota

UMN Southern Research and Outreach Center is a 930 acre research farm located in Waseca, MN. As an active farming and research operation, SROC has research programs in the areas of Agronomy, Dairy, Horticulture, Nematology, Soil Management, Renewable Energy, and Swine.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

(These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit assignment of related tasks but are consistent with Farm Animal Attendant class description)

Herd Health (30% of time)

• Ensure bio-security protocols are followed as directed
• Observe and care for swine during gestation, farrowing, and finishing
• Process newborn piglets
• Inspect and record daily health and condition of pigs.
• Identify and isolate sick animals as needed for treatment
• Provide treatment or preventative procedures as directed by veterinarian or supervisor.
• Vaccinate animals according to herd health protocol.
• Keep routine management records up to date and accurate on paper and in digital form

Feeding (25% of time)

• Feed the animals while monitoring water and feed systems.
• Maintain feed drop and make feeder adjustments as needed.
• Hand feeding and weighing of feed as directed
• Train swine to utilize electronic feed stations

Research (20% of time)

• Weigh sows and offspring while collecting individual samples
• Conduct identification of animals for detailed record keeping
• Allocate pigs to specific trials
• Precisely follow directives within research protocols
• Collect data outlined in experimental protocols
• Help students complete experimental work when needed

Herd Reproduction (15% of time)

• Check sows for signs of heat and artificially inseminate sows
• Follow directives on breeding procedure
• Perform pregnancy checks of sows and gilts
• Keep detailed breeding, conception and birth records.

Maintenance and Cleaning (10% of time)

• Power washing, scraping and disinfecting of barns, pens, stalls, feeders, and other animal equipment and facilities
• Makes minor repairs and maintains tools and equipment
• Monitor ventilation, heating systems, feeding systems

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• High School graduate with three years' experience in swine related animal care or combination of academic coursework and related work experience to total 3 years.
• The ability to: walk or stand for the majority of day; bend, climb, kneel; carry, lift, push and pull 75 lbs. or more. Work in all animal environments including odors, noise, dust, both indoors and outdoors which may be during times of inclement weather.
• Good communication skills
• Be able to operate farm equipment such as tractor and loader, skid loader, truck and 5th wheel trailer and related equipment

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:$24.47 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.