AcuFast is looking for a motivated and experienced Genetic Farm Manager to lead our Blackfoot Barn in
Lloydminster, Alberta. Blackfoot is a finishing-focused genetic production barn. The facility has approximately 2,800 finishing spaces and operates as part of AcuFast's genetic production system. The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the day-to-day management of the finishing operation, including animal care, production performance, employee leadership, biosecurity, animal welfare, safety, and barn operations. In addition to managing the finishing operation, the Genetic Farm Manager will support AcuFast's genetic objectives, including identification and selection of breeding stock in accordance with AcuFast genetic and production standards. We are looking for a hands-on leader who understands commercial swine production, can recognize high-quality genetic potential, and enjoys developing people while driving strong production results. The Genetic Farm Manager will report to the Production Manager and work closely with other Farm Managers and operating teams to ensure the Blackfoot Barn is managed safely, efficiently, and consistently with AcuFast standards.
This position will include the following responsibilities and day-to-day functions, but is not limited to:
- Lead and manage all Blackfoot team members and complete associated administrative responsibilities.
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the finishing barn, ensuring pigs receive excellent care and are managed according to AcuFast standards.
- Monitor pig health, growth, performance, mortality, feed, water, environment, and other key finishing production indicators.
- Analyze barn production results and use data to identify opportunities and make decisions that maximize production performance.
- Identify and select appropriate breeding stock based on AcuFast genetic selection criteria and production standards.
- Work with the Production Manager and genetic/production teams to ensure selected animals meet the required genetic and physical criteria.
- Coach and develop team members on job requirements, SOPs, biosecurity, animal welfare, health and safety, and proper animal husbandry practices.
- Ensure all employees consistently follow SOPs, biosecurity protocols, animal welfare requirements, and Health & Safety standards.
- Develop troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities within the team.
- Monitor facility and equipment conditions and ensure maintenance issues are identified and communicated appropriately.
- Maintain accurate production records and complete required reports.
- Work side-by-side with team members on all farm duties as required.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on animal performance, efficiency, genetic quality, employee development, and overall barn results.
- Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate would ideally possess the following experience and qualifications:
- 3+ years of swine production experience, preferably with experience in a finishing operation.
- Experience identifying and selecting breeding stock/gilts based on genetic, physical, structural, and production characteristics.
- Understanding of the relationship between genetics, animal selection, health, growth, performance, and overall production results.
- Leadership or supervisory experience in a farm or production environment.
- Strong technical understanding of swine production and animal husbandry.
- Ability to recognize differences in animal quality, structure, health, and production potential.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills with great attention to detail.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and comfortable working in a hands-on production environment.
- Ability to manage priorities and make sound decisions.
- Strong commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity, safety, and production excellence.
- Shares AcuFast core values.
What We Offer
- Dynamic, challenging work for talented individuals.
- A competitive wage will be offered based on the applicant’s experience.
- A comprehensive benefits package accompanied by a registered pension plan, including a 4% employer match.
- Ongoing support and encouragement for both personal and professional growth.
- Inclusive work environment.
About Us
AcuFast provides pork producers across North America and worldwide with breeding stock and innovative genetic and reproduction solutions. We work alongside pork producers and industry partners to build the future of pork production together. It is a future where cutting-edge science and proven farm practices meet, ensuring the health of pigs, producers, and consumers for generations to come. We empower our people by supporting and encouraging them to grow personally as well as professionally. We have a team of keen and innovative thinkers. You will love it here.