What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Operation Associate position at Fortis Life Sciences?
The Opportunity
Fortis partners with diagnostics and life sciences companies to design, validate, and manufacture solutions to solve their complex development problems. Fortis’ tailored approach and end-to-end capabilities accelerate the work of its customers as they bring the next generation of medicines and diagnostics to market. Fortis serves a global customer base and has offices across the world including four R&D sites and three GMP and ISO 13485 compliant manufacturing facilities in North America.
The Animal Care Associate works daily to ensure animal health and welfare during production that contribute to the operations and functions of the site. Working together with our scientist to improve lives by supporting scientific discovery, this person is responsible for feeding and watering animals, maintaining, and cleaning enclosures, contributing to our production goals, and assisting with general upkeep of the farm. With dedication to animal welfare, you will work strategically to deliver on key business objectives.
What You Will Do
- Handling and caring for all animals including, goats, donkeys, sheep, and rabbits during serum collection process by herding animals, opening gates, calling ear tattoos or tag numbers, processing blood bags and vials, etc.
- Routinely clean animal facilities and surrounding areas including replacing soiled shavings within or around barns, power washing and sanitizing cages and surrounding areas, sweeping and power washing floors, replacing feeders, landscaping around facilities, etc.
- Maintain all appropriate records relating to animal care as directed by Supervisor, perform animal care duties such as trimming hooves, treating abrasions, de-working, de-lice, etc.
- Administer routine immunizations and treatments when needed as directed by veterinarian or designee.
- Perform routine blood collection, serum processing and animal inventory duties.
- Maintain cleanliness in all department areas including, break room, bathrooms, storage, etc.
- Perform routine pest control and grounds maintenance when needed.
- Perform routine or basic maintenance on all animal care facilities and equipment.
- Provide back-up support to other operations teams including assisting in minor construction, facilities, grounds, and pasture maintenance.
- Operate farm and construction equipment including tractors, backhoe, forklift, lull, skid-steer, etc.
- Perform animal care duties including monitoring animal health and reporting any issues to the Animal Care Supervisor or Manager, ensuring appropriate feed and water levels daily.
- Perform other tasks as assigned by management, which may not be listed above, that are necessary to accomplish our goal of improving lives by supporting scientific discovery.
Who You Are & What You Bring
Education and Experience
- High School diploma or GED equivalent required
- Experience working with farm animals or ranch experience a plus
- Experience operating farm and/or construction equipment preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to consistently move (push/pull) 50 plus pounds a must
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and understanding English
- Ability to regularly work outdoors in all types of weather
Equipment Used:
Backhoe, Skid Steer, Tractor, Forklift, Lull, 4-Wheeler, Utility ATV, Manure Spreader, Pressure Washer
What We Offer
We have an incredibly talented group of intelligent, down-to-earth individuals who are committed to developing and manufacturing only the highest quality products. Our mission: “Pursuing a Healthier World by Creating Tomorrow’s Science Today” is complemented by our core values (EXCITE):
Excellence – We believe in solving for root cause. No shortcuts, no “band-aids”
Customer First – We prioritize the experience and outcomes of our customers above all.
Integrity – We are honest and accountable, holding ourselves to a high standard of ethical conduct.
Trust – We believe an engaged, empowered team begins with a foundation of trust. We trust our team members to make the right decisions and to be driven by and evaluated on results.
Entrepreneurship – We encourage smart risk taking. We value novel mistakes in the pursuit of innovation.
Fortis provides a competitive salary, success-sharing bonus plan, medical, dental, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
