Posted by For job seekers interested in agriculture, livestock management and animal care, JBS USA is offering an opportunity to work as an Animal Caretaker across various locations in Iowa and Illinois. The full-time position combines hands-on animal care with farm operations, biosecurity, sanitation and livestock welfare responsibilities.
The role is suited to dependable candidates who are comfortable working in physically demanding farm environments and are willing to work weekends and holidays when required. Starting pay is $17.50 per hour, with a benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, 401(k) matching and opportunities for education and leadership development.
The position involves caring for pigs at different stages of production, following strict animal welfare and biosecurity procedures, and performing a range of livestock-management tasks under established standard operating procedures.
Animal Caretaker Job Details
- Job Title: Animal Caretaker
- Company: JBS USA
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Various locations in Iowa and Illinois
- Example Job Location: 2113 Sunset Rd, Clinton, IL 61727
- Starting Pay: $17.50 per hour
- Schedule: Weekends and holidays as needed
- Industry: Agriculture, Livestock and Animal Care
What Does an Animal Caretaker Do?
The Animal Caretaker will be responsible for maintaining animal welfare while supporting the day-to-day operation of the farm.
The position involves hands-on work with pigs of different ages and requires employees to understand proper animal-handling techniques, feeding, breeding, treatment and general livestock care.
Key responsibilities include:
- Following animal welfare and biosecurity procedures.
- Participating in required safety training and programs.
- Reporting broken or faulty equipment to supervisors.
- Following company policies and standard operating procedures.
- Attending mandatory meetings and training sessions.
- Maintaining positive working relationships with coworkers.
- Completing assigned duties in a timely manner.
- Obtaining and maintaining PQA+ (Pork Quality Assurance Training).
- Handling animals correctly and safely.
- Performing power-washing and sanitation duties.
- Handling and storing medications correctly.
- Treating and vaccinating animals.
- Following approved euthanasia procedures.
- Handling dead-animal disposal through approved methods.
- Performing general housekeeping and sanitation duties.
Pig Care and Livestock Responsibilities
A major part of the position involves caring for pigs at different stages of production.
Depending on the assignment, the Animal Caretaker may be expected to understand and perform duties involving:
- Piglet processing, including castration.
- Artificial insemination under direct supervision.
- Semen handling.
- Heat detection and breeding.
- Feeding animals during breeding, gestation and lactation.
- Monitoring sows during farrowing.
- Day 0–3 piglet care.
- Sorting and fostering animals.
- Manure feedback procedures.
- Prostaglandin use.
- Monitoring animal condition and responding to signs of discomfort.
Employees are expected to follow the company’s established animal welfare and biosecurity procedures throughout these activities.
Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding position, and applicants should understand the physical nature of the work before applying.
The job requires employees to be able to:
- Lift more than 50 pounds and move loads up to 100 yards daily.
- Repeatedly lift approximately 15 pounds for at least one hour.
- Push or pull carts weighing at least 500 pounds when required.
- Squat to floor level and grip small objects.
- Perform repeated physical actions.
- Move, load and unload animals weighing more than 600 pounds.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Work on different surfaces, including concrete.
- Climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
- Climb different types of ladders, including feed-bin ladders.
- Maintain balance on different surfaces.
- Respond to animal sounds, visible signs of discomfort and verbal alarms.
Applicants must also be able to understand and follow written and spoken instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers and company contacts.
Important Animal-Related Requirement
The job has a specific biosecurity requirement concerning contact with swine.
Applicants must not own or live near any swine and must not live with anyone who has contact with swine.
This requirement is intended to help protect the health of the animals and maintain the farm’s biosecurity standards.
Working Conditions
Animal caretakers should be prepared to work in challenging environmental conditions.
The job may involve:
- Outdoor temperatures exceeding 100°F during summer.
- Outdoor temperatures below 0°F during winter.
- Muddy roads following heavy rain.
- Snow-covered or icy farm roads.
- Loud noise inside and outside barns.
- Daily exposure to odors, dust and gases.
- Contact with potentially hazardous materials.
- Exposure to electrical equipment and machinery.
- Farm environments where proper safety procedures must be followed.
Employees will be expected to follow established safety procedures and must not attempt electrical or other restricted work unless appropriately trained and authorized.
Skills and Personal Qualities
JBS USA is looking for candidates who can demonstrate reliability, willingness to learn and a strong work ethic.
Important qualities include:
- Willingness to listen and learn.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Honesty and trustworthiness.
- Dependability.
- Respect for coworkers.
- Pride in completing work properly.
- Initiative and willingness to take on additional tasks.
- Ability to work weekends and holidays when required.
- Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment.
Benefits and Employee Development
The position comes with several benefits and development opportunities.
Eligible employees can receive:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage beginning after 60 days of employment.
- Paid time off, including vacation and six company-observed holidays.
- 401(k) plan with company matching beginning after the first year of service, subject to the company’s vesting schedule.
- Better Futures Program, providing online classes or tuition for select two-year community colleges for employees or their dependents.
- Supervisor Development Program providing leadership training and opportunities for career growth.
These benefits make the position more than an entry-level farm job, particularly for employees interested in developing a longer-term career in agriculture and livestock operations.
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
The Animal Caretaker position may appeal to candidates who enjoy practical, hands-on work and are interested in agriculture or animal production.
It may be particularly suitable for people with experience or interest in:
- Livestock farming.
- Animal care.
- Agriculture.
- Pig farming.
- Farm operations.
- Animal welfare.
- Agricultural production.
- Rural and outdoor work.
However, candidates should be prepared for the physical demands and environmental conditions associated with commercial livestock operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Animal Caretaker job pay?
The listed starting pay is $17.50 per hour.
Is the position full-time?
Yes. The Animal Caretaker position is offered as a full-time job.
Where is the job located?
The listing covers various locations in Iowa and Illinois. One listed location is 2113 Sunset Rd, Clinton, Illinois 61727.
Are weekends required?
The job listing states that employees must be able to work weekends and holidays as required.
What animals will the caretaker work with?
The position involves caring for pigs at different stages of production, including piglets, sows, gilts and other animals.
Is the job physically demanding?
Yes. The position requires lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, prolonged standing and walking, and handling large animals.
Are benefits available?
Yes. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, 401(k) matching, education assistance and leadership-development opportunities.
Is previous livestock experience required?
The supplied listing does not specify a minimum amount of previous livestock experience. However, candidates must demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn the required animal-care, safety and biosecurity procedures.
Is there a specific biosecurity requirement?
Yes. Applicants must not own or live near swine and must not live with anyone who has contact with swine.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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