Herdsperson - Farm 55761

Smithfield Foods • Maxton, NC

2d

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 provide training toward an advanced Herd Technician designation and includes caring for animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.

The position includes caring for and treating animals, maintaining production records, cleaning and sanitizing farm areas, and assisting with facility and equipment upkeep. The Herdsperson must follow company animal welfare, environmental, safety, and biosecurity policies and procedures. The role averages 48 hours per week, which can vary frequently, and may require weekend, evening, holiday, and emergency on-call work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to perform hard physical labor.
• Strong commitment to teamwork.
• Willingness to shower daily upon entering and leaving the facility.
• Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.
• Ability to work an average 48-hour work week, which 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 perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available as appropriate.
• Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, handle or feel with hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Ability to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics, such as penicillin.
• Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous livestock handling experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals, administer vaccinations, and perform general 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 suitable physical environments, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and appropriate 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.

What This Job Offers

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