Herdsperson Trainee White Tail Unionville

Smithfield Foods • Unionville, MO

2d

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure animal welfare. Duties include farm sanitation, animal removal and movement, and may include operating mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed. The role may provide training toward an advanced Herd Technician designation. The Herdsperson also cares for animals at the designated work site, with particular attention to their health, growth, and breeding.

The position requires an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently. Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required as needed, and the employee must be available on call for emergencies, including power outages or personnel shortages. Work involves physical farm labor and exposure to antibiotics, blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions. A relocation package is not available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handling is helpful.
• 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 work an average 48-hour work week, with hours that can vary frequently.
• Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
• Must 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, crawl, talk, and 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.
• Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals; vaccinate them and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• Adapt 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, oral application, or 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 an appropriate physical environment, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing health care, and adherence to euthanasia guidelines.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Relocation package available: No.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED