Job Overview
Research Farm Manager is responsible for leading the crew to develop and meet farm goals by understanding and following the Standard Operating Procedures. The role maintains a safe work environment, manages personnel and management systems, and leads the crew in conducting and executing research trials.
Core Responsibilities
- Follow the Company's animal welfare policies and procedures, ensuring a physical environment that meets animal needs, providing adequate water and high‑quality feed, humane treatment, identification, and appropriate treatment of animals in need of health care, and following euthanasia guidelines.
- Conduct data collection, record keeping, and feed system monitoring.
- Schedule feed, trucks, and routine supplies; prepare payroll and monitor research expenses.
- Learn, understand, and implement policies and procedures related to Biosecurity, EMS, SIPS, and Animal Care.
- Train and supervise staff.
- Maintain record keeping and compliance with the SHPD report system.
- Perform basic maintenance of farm equipment.
- Compose weekly data collection summaries, research trial status updates, and report to the Field Research Coordinator.
- Ensure all equipment, machinery, and vehicles are accounted for and properly maintained using daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.
- Maintain research data collection and production charts, and medication records.
- Review and update research protocols when needed.
- Develop weekly and monthly action plans.
- Understand all safety requirements of the job and comply with them.
- Comply with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield subscribes.
- Read and understand the company's emergency notification process and review the policy at the work site.
- Maintain and sanitize facilities.
- Train employees to ensure a safe work environment.
- Conduct farm inspections and correct any non‑compliance.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an Agricultural field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience leading by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff, or managing a process or project.
- Swine experience required.
- Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and noisy conditions.
- Willingness to perform euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging for identification, taking blood samples, and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.
- Ability to prioritize work when dealing with constraints outside of personal control.
- Understanding of experimental design for research experiments.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and strong multi‑tasking abilities.
- PQA certification and CPR certification.
- Capability to operate and maintain feed systems, including daily monitoring and routine maintenance.
- Computer skills: Microsoft Excel, Outlook, RFID technology tags and wands, LeeO app and data dashboard, Exago ultrasound, PigKnows STAMP, supply app, and other data software used by Smithfield.