Herdsperson Trainee/Laborer

Smithfield Foods•Yuma, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to support animal welfare. Duties include sanitation, animal removal and movement, and operating farm equipment as directed. The role may include training for an advanced Herd Technician designation and provides care for animals at the work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.

Requirements

Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Ability to do 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 work an average 48-hour work week, which may vary frequently.
Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
Availability to be on call for emergencies, including power outages or personnel shortages.
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 occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear frequently.
Ability to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous livestock handling experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, vaccinate, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
Adjust plans as directed by farm leadership.
Assist with moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.
Sanitize and wash farm areas using high-pressure equipment.
Process piglets, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
Maintain accurate production information and update department records.
Treat sick animals using pharmaceuticals administered by injection, orally, or by other required methods.
Follow Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, and appropriate training guides.
Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
Help maintain barn and office cleanliness and perform laundry duties.
Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing suitable environments, adequate water and quality feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.