Swine Herdsperson (LMIA Requested)
Join Sunterra Farms Ltd. in Acme, Alberta and build your career in Canada’s pork production industry
Quick application – Response within 48 hours | Multiple positions available
LMIA Support Available
Sunterra Farms Ltd. is requesting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for this position, making it eligible for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). International candidates who are selected will receive full LMIA support and work permit assistance. This is an excellent opportunity for skilled swine workers from abroad seeking to establish their careers in Canada’s agricultural sector.
Job Summary
Sunterra Farms Ltd. is actively recruiting Swine Herdspersons for our modern hog production facility located in Acme, Alberta. This full-time permanent position offers a competitive wage range of $19.11 to $24.00 per hour depending on experience and skills. The role encompasses all aspects of commercial swine production including sow care, farrowing assistance, piglet management, feeding programs, health monitoring, and facility maintenance. We operate a well-equipped, climate-controlled barn system designed for optimal animal welfare and production efficiency. No prior swine experience is required for entry-level candidates as we provide comprehensive on-the-job training. We welcome applications from Canadian residents and international workers seeking LMIA-supported work permits. Successful candidates receive free on-farm accommodation, health benefits, and opportunities for wage progression within our growing operation.
Job Details
Company Overview
Sunterra Farms Ltd. is a well-established hog production operation located in the productive agricultural region of Acme, Alberta, approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Calgary. Founded over two decades ago, our farm has grown into a modern, efficient swine facility producing high-quality pork for the Alberta and Canadian markets. We operate a farrow-to-finish system with capacity for 1,200 sows, utilizing advanced barn technology including automated feeding systems, ventilation controls, and environmental monitoring to ensure optimal conditions for our animals year-round.
At Sunterra Farms, animal welfare is at the core of everything we do. Our barns are designed to exceed Canadian Code of Practice standards, providing ample space, enrichment, and comfort for our pigs at every stage of production. We maintain strict biosecurity protocols to protect herd health and work closely with veterinarians and animal nutritionists to optimize growth and reproduction. Our team is diverse and inclusive, with workers from various cultural backgrounds contributing to our success. We are committed to fair labour practices, ongoing training, and creating a safe, supportive workplace for every employee. Sunterra Farms is registered with Alberta Pork and fully compliant with all provincial and federal agricultural regulations.
Visit Sunterra Farms Ltd. WebsiteJob Description
As a Swine Herdsperson at Sunterra Farms Ltd., you will be an essential member of our hog production team, responsible for the daily care and management of pigs across various stages of the production cycle. This is a hands-on, physically active role that requires dedication, attention to detail, and a genuine concern for animal welfare. You will work in our modern, climate-controlled barns alongside experienced herdspersons and under the supervision of our Barn Manager.
Your daily activities will include feeding and watering pigs, monitoring animal health and behaviour, assisting with farrowing (birthing), handling piglets, maintaining clean and sanitary barn conditions, and accurately recording production data. The work follows a structured schedule with rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage during critical periods such as farrowing. While the role can be physically demanding, our modern facilities and organized workflows are designed to maximize efficiency and worker comfort.
This position is well-suited for individuals who enjoy working with animals, are comfortable with barn environments, and seek stable, long-term employment in Canadian agriculture. Whether you have years of swine experience or are new to the industry and eager to learn, Sunterra Farms offers thorough training, competitive wages, and a clear path for career advancement within our operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily Pig Care: Feed and water pigs according to established nutritional programs; monitor feed intake and adjust rations as directed by the nutritionist
- Farrowing Assistance: Monitor pregnant sows for signs of labour; assist with difficult births when necessary; ensure newborn piglets are dried, warmed, and receive colostrum promptly
- Piglet Management: Process newborn piglets including tail docking, teeth clipping, iron injections, and ear notching; cross-foster piglets to balance litter sizes
- Weaning Operations: Separate weaned piglets from sows at 21-28 days; move piglets to nursery barns and ensure proper transition feeding
- Health Monitoring: Conduct daily visual inspections of all animals for signs of illness, lameness, respiratory issues, or abnormal behaviour; isolate sick animals and administer treatments as prescribed
- Vaccination Programs: Assist with herd vaccination schedules; properly handle and store vaccines; maintain accurate vaccination records
- Breeding Management: Detect sows in heat using back-pressure tests; assist with artificial insemination procedures; record breeding dates and monitor pregnancy status
- Barn Sanitation: Pressure wash and disinfect farrowing crates, nursery pens, and grower-finisher rooms between groups; maintain dry, clean bedding conditions
- Manure Management: Operate scrapers and manure handling systems; ensure proper storage and application of manure according to environmental regulations
- Environmental Control: Monitor and adjust barn ventilation, heating, and cooling systems to maintain optimal temperature and air quality for pig comfort and health
- Record Keeping: Accurately record births, deaths, treatments, movements, and feed consumption in farm management software; generate weekly production reports
- Biosecurity Compliance: Strictly follow farm biosecurity protocols including shower-in/shower-out procedures, vehicle disinfection, and visitor control to prevent disease entry
Qualifications & Skills
Required
- Physical ability to lift up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and stand for extended periods
- Comfortable working in barn environments with natural animal odours and dust
- Basic English communication skills to understand instructions and safety protocols
- Ability to work rotating shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to animal welfare standards
- Willingness to follow strict biosecurity and hygiene protocols
- Valid work authorization for Canada or eligibility for LMIA/TFWP sponsorship
Preferred
- Previous experience working with swine, cattle, or other livestock
- Knowledge of pig behaviour, growth stages, and production cycles
- Experience with farrowing operations and neonatal piglet care
- Familiarity with artificial insemination techniques in swine
- Basic understanding of animal nutrition and feed management
- Experience operating farm equipment such as skid steers and feed carts
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Agricultural diploma or certificate in animal science or swine production
- Previous participation in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Salary & Benefits
Benefits Package
- Free On-Farm Accommodation: Private furnished room in clean, modern staff housing with shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and common areas; all utilities included at no cost
- LMIA Support: Full assistance with Labour Market Impact Assessment application and Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit processing for eligible international candidates
- Health Benefits: Extended health coverage including prescription drugs, dental care, and vision after completing the 3-month probation period
- Paid Time Off: 2 weeks paid vacation annually plus Alberta statutory holidays and 5 paid sick days
- Overtime Compensation: All hours beyond 44 per week paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate
- Meal Provisions: Access to farm-fresh pork and eggs for personal consumption; shared meal preparation facilities in staff housing
- Training & Development: Comprehensive onboarding covering swine handling, biosecurity, and equipment operation; opportunities for advanced certifications
- Wage Progression: Performance-based wage increases at 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter
- Safety Equipment: All required PPE provided including coveralls, boots, gloves, masks, and hearing protection
- Transportation: Farm vehicle available for work-related travel and shopping trips to nearby towns
- Referral Bonus: Financial incentive for referring successful new hires who complete their probation period
Job Location
Sunterra Farms Ltd.
Highway 21 and Township Road 304
Acme, Alberta
T0M 0A0, Canada
Region: Kneehill County, Central Alberta
80 km northeast of Calgary
120 km southeast of Edmonton
About the Location: Acme is a small, friendly community in Kneehill County, Alberta, known for its strong agricultural heritage and close-knit rural atmosphere. The town offers essential amenities including a grocery store, post office, medical clinic, school, and recreational facilities. The surrounding area features vast prairie farmland, making it ideal for agricultural operations. Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, is just over an hour’s drive southwest, providing access to major shopping, healthcare, entertainment, and the Calgary International Airport. Edmonton is approximately 90 minutes north. The region experiences a classic prairie climate with warm, sunny summers perfect for outdoor activities and cold, crisp winters. Nearby attractions include the historic Acme Valley Golf Club, the Kneehill County walking trails, and the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in nearby Drumheller. Workers enjoy affordable living, minimal traffic, and the genuine hospitality of rural Alberta communities.
How to Apply
Interested in joining Sunterra Farms Ltd. as a Swine Herdsperson? Follow these steps to submit your application:
Prepare Your Documents
Update your resume with any livestock or agricultural experience. Gather your passport (for international applicants), proof of work eligibility, and contact details for two references. Write a brief cover letter expressing your interest in swine production.
Submit Online Application
Click the “Apply Now” button below and complete our application form. Upload your resume, cover letter, and any certifications. Specify your availability, preferred wage, and whether you require LMIA support.
Interview Process
Our hiring team reviews applications within 48 hours. Shortlisted candidates participate in a phone or video interview to discuss experience, expectations, and suitability for barn work. International candidates may complete additional documentation.
Job Offer & Onboarding
Successful candidates receive a formal employment offer. For international applicants, we initiate the LMIA application process and provide guidance for work permit submission. We assist with travel planning and settling into on-farm accommodation.
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Join Sunterra Farms Ltd. as a Swine Herdsperson and earn $19.11–$24.00/hour with free housing and LMIA support!
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