Animal Welfare Management Trainee Iowa - Ames, IA

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Welfare Management Trainee in our Iowa locations. This role offers hands-on experience and training in our animal welfare practices and farm operations. This role will prepare you for a leadership or technical role within our animal welfare or farm support departments. Over a 12-month training period, you'll work closely with our team to develop expertise in animal welfare management and continuous improvement. Upon completing the training, you'll be eligible for career advancement in the specified program of study within Seaboard Foods.

The Animal Welfare Management Trainee (MT) will play a key role in supporting the continuous improvement of animal welfare and animal care standards across our operations. They will contribute to animal welfare and animal care improvement through collaboration with cross-functional operational teams. The MT will work closely with our farms to ensure that best practices are consistently implemented and maintained.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the "Best Places to Work" by Kansas City's Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with our farms to uphold and promote our company's values for animal welfare and care, ensuring that these principles are integrated into daily operations.
• Train farm staff on best practices for animal welfare, including but not limited to handling techniques, behavioral observation, and emergency response.
• Assist in planning and coordinating projects aimed at improving animal welfare, from concept through to implementation and review.
• Assist in managing and responding to any animal welfare incidents or emergencies on farms, including conducting investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist veterinarians and/or the research department in evaluating and implementing new technologies or practices that could improve pig welfare.
• Prepare detailed reports on findings and progress regarding animal welfare practices and improvements, and present these to senior management and other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in third-party welfare inspections and certifications.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement within the organization, such as enrichment programs, handling techniques, or housing innovations, contributing to the continuous systemic enhancement of animal welfare.
• Assist in the updates of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as needed, and develop and deliver training programs for farm staff on updated SOPs.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Passion and professional interest in animal welfare and animal care practices.
• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university preferred; or 4+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Related fields of study: animal science, livestock management, animal welfare, veterinary sciences, animal welfare & behavior, and other related degrees or experiences.

• Demonstrated experience or the ability to facilitate, encourage, coach, and lead a team to reach set goals.
• Good critical thinking and judgment skills to reach the best possible solution to a problem.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people such as employees, managers, and senior management.

• Bi-lingual (Spanish and English) required.
• Current certification or ability to be certified in PQA+, PQA+ Advisor, and TQA training.
• A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.
• A valid driver's license and a clear motor vehicle record (MVR)

SCHEDULE

• The schedule will vary based on business needs. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift to 100 pounds and sometimes push/and or move up to 300 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is commonly exposed to airborne particles and gases at low concentrations.
• The employee is frequently exposed to waste material, feed, and hog dust.
• Position will require travel to various farm locations.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans' status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.