Farm Worker, Hogs
Pigco — Elmwood, Ontario
Company Overview
Pigco is a modern swine production operation located in Elmwood, Ontario, serving as a key contributor to Canada’s pork industry. Our facility utilizes advanced hog farming techniques, climate-controlled barns, and strict bio-security protocols to ensure the health and welfare of our animals while producing high-quality pork for domestic and international markets.
We operate within the heart of Ontario’s agricultural corridor, where hog farming has been a cornerstone of the local economy for generations. At Pigco, we combine traditional animal husbandry values with modern production standards to create a safe, efficient, and humane working environment for both our animals and our employees.
We are committed to employee development, safety, and fair compensation. Whether you are new to agriculture or an experienced swine worker, Pigco offers a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and your career can grow.
Learn About Ontario Pork IndustryJob Details
Job Description
Pigco is seeking a dedicated and hardworking Farm Worker, Hogs to join our swine production team in Elmwood, Ontario. This is a full-time permanent position offering $17.60 per hour with comprehensive training provided for candidates new to hog farming.
As a Farm Worker, Hogs, you will be responsible for the daily care and management of our swine herd within a modern, climate-controlled barn facility. Your duties will include feeding and watering pigs, cleaning and disinfecting pens, monitoring animal health, assisting with breeding and farrowing activities, and maintaining strict bio-security protocols. You will work closely with experienced farm staff who will mentor you in proper swine handling techniques, animal welfare standards, and farm safety procedures.
This role is physically demanding but rewarding for individuals who enjoy working with animals and are committed to maintaining high standards of animal care and hygiene. Whether you are completely new to agriculture or have previous livestock experience, we welcome your application if you bring a strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Feed and tend swine according to established nutritional programs and feeding schedules
- Monitor water supply systems and ensure hogs have continuous access to fresh, clean water
- Sort and handle pigs safely using low-stress handling techniques for movement between pens and barns
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain barns, pens, stalls, and feeding areas to ensure hygienic conditions
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, identifying sick or injured hogs and reporting concerns to the farm supervisor
- Assist with breeding activities including heat detection and artificial insemination preparation
- Assist with farrowing operations, providing care for sows during birth and ensuring newborn piglets are safe and warm
- Process piglets including castration, tail docking, teeth clipping, and ear notching under supervision
- Wean piglets at appropriate ages and transition them to nursery facilities
- Administer medications, vaccines, and supplements as directed by the farm supervisor or veterinarian
- Operate and maintain farm machinery including feed mixers, pressure washers, and ventilation systems
- Monitor and adjust barn environmental controls including temperature, ventilation, and humidity levels
- Follow strict bio-security protocols including shower-in/shower-out procedures and proper use of protective clothing
- Complete daily care logs, feeding records, mortality records, and animal health documentation
Qualifications & Skills
Required
- No formal education required — will train suitable candidates
- Physical ability to perform demanding tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods, and working in warm, humid barn environments
- Comfort working in an indoor barn setting with exposure to animal waste, dust, and strong odours
- Basic English communication skills to understand safety instructions, follow protocols, and complete records
- Ability to work early mornings and occasional weekends as required by the production schedule
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada
Preferred
- Previous experience working with swine, cattle, or other livestock in a farm or barn setting
- Knowledge of hog production cycles including breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery, and finishing phases
- Familiarity with farm machinery operation and basic mechanical maintenance
- Experience with pressure washing, disinfecting, and barn sanitation procedures
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Class G driver’s license
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate and patient attitude toward animals with commitment to high welfare standards
- Strong work ethic and punctuality — hogs require daily care without exception
- Attention to detail in observing animal behaviour, feed intake, and health indicators
- Ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team in a confined barn environment
- Commitment to bio-security and sanitation protocols to prevent disease outbreaks
- Willingness to work flexible hours including early mornings, weekends, and emergency call-ins during farrowing season
🛡️ Bio-Security & Safety First
Swine farming requires strict adherence to bio-security protocols to protect animal health and prevent disease. At Pigco, all workers must:
- Follow shower-in/shower-out procedures when entering and leaving the barn facility
- Wear designated farm clothing and footwear provided by the employer
- Refrain from contact with other pigs or livestock outside of work hours
- Report any illness or exposure to foreign animal diseases immediately
- Participate in regular bio-security training and facility audits
These measures protect our animals, our workers, and the broader Canadian pork industry.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage of $17.60 with performance-based increases
- Permanent full-time employment with year-round stability
- Overtime compensation at 1.5x regular rate for hours exceeding 44 per week
- Statutory holiday pay and vacation entitlement per Ontario Employment Standards
- Comprehensive on-the-job training in swine care, barn operations, and bio-security
- Safe work environment with provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and farm clothing
- Opportunity for career progression to specialized livestock worker or supervisory roles
- Workers’ compensation coverage through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions
- Potential for housing assistance for workers relocating to the Elmwood area
Job Location
Primary Location: Pigco, Elmwood, Ontario, Canada (N0G 1S0)
Elmwood is a small rural community located in Bruce County, Ontario, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Walkerton and 80 kilometres southwest of Owen Sound. The area is surrounded by productive farmland and is part of Ontario’s vibrant agricultural heartland, with strong traditions in hog production, dairy farming, and crop cultivation.
The region offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with affordable housing, close-knit communities, and easy access to larger centres such as Walkerton, Hanover, and Owen Sound. Elmwood is well-connected by Highway 4 and Highway 9, providing convenient access to essential services and amenities.
Work Environment: Indoor barn facilities with climate control, ventilation, and automated feeding systems. Exposure to animal waste, dust, ammonia, and strong odours. Physical proximity to swine of all sizes (piglets to mature sows weighing 500+ lbs). Some tasks require working in confined spaces and at heights (feed bins).
Start Your Career in Swine Production
Join Pigco in Elmwood, ON. No experience required — we provide full training in modern hog farming.
Apply Now
📧 careers@pigco.ca
We review all applications within 48 hours
Summary
The Farm Worker, Hogs position at Pigco offers a genuine entry point into Canada’s vital pork industry. At $17.60 per hour, this full-time permanent role provides fair compensation for essential work that includes feeding, tending, cleaning, and caring for swine in a modern production facility in Elmwood, Ontario.
With no formal education or experience requirements, this position is accessible to anyone with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. Pigco provides comprehensive training in swine husbandry, barn sanitation, bio-security protocols, and equipment operation, making this an ideal opportunity for career changers, new Canadians, or young workers seeking their first job in agriculture.
Career progression is possible with experience — many hog farm workers advance to specialized roles such as breeding technician, farrowing attendant, or farm supervisor. If you are physically fit, reliable, and committed to animal welfare, we encourage you to apply today.
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