Herdsperson Trainee Scott Colby 3 Jamesport

Smithfield Foods • Jamesport, MO

8d

About The Position

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

The position involves animal husbandry and basic veterinary procedures, maintaining animal movement and farm cleanliness, updating production records, treating sick animals, and assisting with facility and equipment maintenance. The employee must follow animal welfare, environmental, safety, and biosecurity policies and procedures. Other duties may be assigned.

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 handle standardized situations.
• Ability to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
• 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 lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, handle or feel with the hands, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear frequently.
• Ability to work with and around a 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 the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, vaccinate, 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 by 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 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.
• Be on call for emergencies, including power outages or personnel shortages.

What This Job Offers

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