Certified Animal Handler (DM) - 1st Shift
About The Position
Smithfield Foods is seeking motivated individuals to join their team as Certified Animal Handlers (CAH) on the 1st Shift. This role reports directly to the Station Manager and requires TQA and PQA Plus certification. The CAH is responsible for handling animals calmly, adhering to the Animal Care Policy, and performing station duties as directed by management. The position involves sorting, receiving, and loading animals efficiently and safely, performing trailer inspections, and maintaining receiving documentation. The role also includes sorting/grading animals according to specifications, receiving training on various management systems (EIPMS, EMS, Animal Welfare/Care), and maintaining good housekeeping in assigned areas. Compliance with environmental laws, safety policies, and company procedures is crucial. The CAH may also assist in training other employees and perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED preferred.
- Must be able to work an average 48-50 hour week, which can vary frequently.
- Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
- Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
- Must be able to use loading equipment and tools.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
- Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
Nice To Haves
- TQA and PQA Plus certification.
Responsibilities
- Sorts, receives, and loads animals in a productive, SAFE and efficient manner.
- Performs preload trailer inspection prior to loading any animals.
- Loads animals according to the load sheet received from the weigh master using a herding board to move animals from pen to aisle and count animals onto truck.
- Completes inspection and count of animals upon receiving.
- Places tags on and tattoos the shoulder area of the sow for identification.
- Pens animals according to farm and pen capacity.
- Maintains receiving documentation.
- Sorts/grades animals according to Duplin/Customer specifications.
- Receives documented training on EIPMS, EMS, and Animal Welfare/Care from management.
- Maintains locker room, inside/outside barn.
- Maintains good customer and driver relations & presents good company image.
- Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield subscribes.
- Responsible for understanding and complying with company EMS policies and procedures in the performance of their job duties.
- Reports all environmental issues immediately to their supervisor.
- Reads and understands the company’s emergency notification process and will be responsible for reviewing that policy at their work site.
- Follows an active safety awareness program including immediately reporting Smithfield safety violations and on the job injuries.
- Complies with Smithfield policies.
- Assists in training other loading employees as required.
- Performs duties as defined by manager.
Benefits
- Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs
- Medical plans with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
- Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
- Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
- Comprehensive training and professional development programs
- LinkedIn Learning access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training.
- Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs through partnership with Guild.
- Leadership development initiatives.
- Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
- Education Reimbursement Program for GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
