Breeding Head of Department - Farm 85111

Smithfield Foods•Seaboard, NC

About The Position

The Production Manager Trainee (HOD) 2 directs the daily operation of the farm breeding or farrowing department while working under the supervision of the appropriate department leader as part of a learning and development process. The role schedules and assigns work to meet production goals, develops and trains staff, and supports animal and human health and welfare. The employee performs department functions personally and through subordinates, and learns, demonstrates, and becomes certified in company systems and pork industry standards. The role includes maintaining department records and inventory, keeping equipment and barn environments in proper condition, treating animals as required, and ensuring compliance with company policies, animal welfare standards, environmental procedures, and safety requirements. The position provides leadership and guidance to department personnel with manager oversight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Animal Science or a related Agricultural field.
Two years of direct experience handling livestock and managing animal welfare.
Certification in the department.
Ability to perform hard physical labor.
Strong commitment to teamwork.
Willingness to shower daily when entering and leaving the facility.
Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.
Ability to tolerate and learn to perform animal husbandry procedures, including euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging, and blood sampling.
Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Direct daily operations of the farm breeding or farrowing department.
Schedule and assign tasks to meet production goals.
Train and monitor subordinate employees, provide coaching, and support staff development.
Perform department functions and tasks personally and through subordinates.
Learn, demonstrate knowledge and skills, and obtain certification in company systems and pork industry standards.
Follow company policies, procedures, guidelines, standard operating procedures, production manuals, and training guides.
Ensure daily activities and processes follow standard procedures and company documentation.
Maintain equipment and the environment in all section barns, identify inconsistencies, and correct them promptly.
Manage and monitor feed inventory to meet animal requirements, minimize waste, and follow inventory control procedures.
Maintain accurate production information and update department records as required.
Treat sick animals using pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, or other required methods.
Follow animal welfare policies, including providing suitable environments, adequate water and quality feed, humane treatment, appropriate health care, and proper euthanasia and animal disposal procedures.
Comply with environmental laws and procedures and report issues immediately to the supervisor.
Understand job safety requirements and ensure employees comply with them.
Provide leadership and guidance to department personnel with manager oversight.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work an average of 48 hours per week, which may vary frequently; work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
Be available on call for emergencies, including power outages or personnel shortages.
Perform animal husbandry procedures as needed, including euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging, and blood sampling.