Objective
The Gilt Developer Unit (GDU) Lead is responsible for overseeing the development and health of replacement gilts to ensure a high-quality breeding herd. This role involves managing daily operations, supervising staff, and implementing protocols for gilt selection, nutrition, biosecurity, and health management. The GDU Lead works closely with production teams to ensure optimal reproductive performance and genetic progress while maintaining animal welfare and farm efficiency.
Role and Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily care, feeding, and health of developing gilts.
- Implement and monitor gilt selection criteria to ensure high-quality replacement females.
- Identify and address health issues promptly through proper treatment and management practices.
- Manage acclimation and isolation protocols for incoming gilts to maintain herd health.
- Monitor gilt growth rates, reproductive performance, and overall development.
- Enforce strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread.
- Maintain accurate records of gilt inventories, health treatments, and reproductive performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and animal welfare regulations.
- Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of barns, feeding systems, and ventilation.
- Monitor environmental conditions to optimize animal comfort and growth.
- Identify and report equipment malfunctions or facility needs.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- 2+ years of experience in swine production, preferably with gilt development.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Knowledge of gilt selection, breeding, and herd health management.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with swine industry regulations and biosecurity protocols.
- Farm-based setting with exposure to livestock, odors, dust, and varying temperatures in rural areas
- Requires hands-on animal handling and manual labor.
- Some travel may be required for training or company meetings.
Physical Requirements
- Standing, walking, and ability to be on feet 8 to 10 hours per day
- Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, and kneeling
- Frequent use of one or both hands/arms to grasp or pull
- Frequent lifting of objects weighing 3-20 pounds
- Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or requiring up to 50 pounds of force to move
- Occasional bending while pulling and/or lifting objects weighing up to 100 pounds or requiring up to 100 pounds of force to move with the assistance of another person as needed
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to attend and participate in meetings of various lengths
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to work weekend rotation
- Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to work and attend meetings
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Skills Required
- 2+ years of experience in swine production
- Experience with gilt development (preferred)
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Knowledge of gilt selection, breeding, and herd health management
- Familiarity with swine industry regulations and biosecurity protocols
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment (lifting, bending, standing for long periods)
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Must be able to work weekend rotation
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
What We Do
PIPESTONE is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping farmers today create the farms of tomorrow. Founded in 1942 as a veterinary clinic, the company provides expertise and resources in pig health, management, nutrition, research, and marketing. It offers world-class sow management and veterinary services to hog, bovine, and companion animal producers across the Midwest.
