Applied Research Assistant

Essential Functions:
(Order of essential functions does not indicate importance of function)
1.    Responsible for daily chores and coordinating site care during weekend, holiday, and vacation absences. 
2.    Ensure that all JBS Live Pork Husbandry standards are followed (including but not limited to: animal welfare, biosecurity, animal health, and production SOPs).
3.    Responsible for proper implementation of research protocols including allotment, feed deliveries, and record keeping. 
4.    Responsible for data entry and validation during research collection process. 
5.    Responsible for timely collection, preparation, and shipping of all research samples to appropriate laboratory.
6.    Ability to travel regionally to support other research activities. 
7.    Responsible for the overall appearance of sites, both internally and externally.
8.    Responsible for the use of ventilation controls including programming.
9.    Must take active role in safety program including following safety procedures, enforcement of policy, and continued training.
10.    Responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting of research equipment.
11.    Coordinate manure pumping application timelines with responsible parties.
12.    Assist with duties in Site Management of nearby sites, as needed.
13.    All other duties as may be assigned. 

Success Factors:
•    Passionate: Dedicated to company culture and creating valuable results in a positive work environment. Able to create positive energy (motivation) in both individuals and groups when it comes to implementation of research knowledge.
•    Dedication to Detail:  Must focus on all details of research and production processes to ensure data integrity. Unwavering determination to complete tasks at hand, no matter the obstacles (GRIT). 
•    Communication: Timely and consistent communication to ensure high level execution.  
•    Planning and Organizing:  Able to organize or schedule multiple tasks at once.
•    Working Knowledge of Electrical and Mechanical Systems: Research equipment at times will require the ability to troubleshoot and develop the best alternative solution and repairs in the event of a mechanical failure.
•    Team Building:  Able to work with people in such a manner as to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives, while embracing the JBS Values and Mission Statement.

Job Qualifications:
•    B.A. or B.S. Degree Required
•    Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and the ability to learn other software packages. 
•    Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other employees and company contacts in English.
•    Be able to lift in excess of 50lbs moving up to 100 yards daily, be able to lift 15 lbs repeatedly on a daily basis from side to side for at least 1 hour. Push and/or pull a minimum of 500 lbs in a cart with wheels when required. Squat to floor, grip small objects with ease and twist at least 45 degrees.
•    Be capable of repeated actions.
•    Be responsive to visible signs of animal discomfort.
•    Be responsive to verbal alarms and sounds of animals.
•    Be able to move, load and unload animals 600 plus pounds.
•    Be able to walk and stand for long periods of time on different surfaces including concrete.
•    Be able to climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
•    Be able climb different types of ladders including feed bin ladders.
•    Be able to maintain balance on all surfaces.
•    Be able to retain and perform written and spoken instructions.
•    Must be able to spend long hours at a computer workstation.
•    Must be able to spend time in confinement livestock facilities.
•    Must be comfortable working in close proximity to all age categories of swine.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Working knowledge/experience in trial design, implementation, and data collection.
•    Extensive Microsoft Excel skills.
•    Background in research data collection.
•    Background in animal production.
•    Bilingual (Spanish).

Working Conditions:
•    Approximately 20% of time will be spent at computer workstation entering and validating research data.
•    During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100 degrees for an entire scheduled workday.
•    During winter months outside temperatures can be below zero for an entire scheduled workday.
•    During different job duties the noise inside or outside barns can become very loud.
•    Will be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.

The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Better Futures Program –  Online Classes or select 2 Year Community College tuition paid for you or your dependents! 
• Supervisor Development Program: Opportunity to grow your career through leadership training. 

The company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control ACT requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work

EOE/Vet/Disability