Herdsperson - Somerset

Smithfield Foods • Powersville, MO

1d

About The Position

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

The Herdsperson performs animal husbandry and basic veterinary tasks, processes piglets, treats sick animals, maintains production records, and assists with facility and equipment maintenance. The position requires following animal welfare, safety, environmental, and biosecurity procedures. The work week averages 48 hours and may vary frequently; weekend, evening, and holiday work is required as needed, along with on-call availability for emergencies.

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.
• 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, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• 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.
• Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Frequently stand, walk, handle or feel with hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.

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 animal movement 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 with pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, or other required methods.
• Follow Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, and applicable 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 appropriate living conditions, adequate water and feed, humane treatment, identification and treatment of animals needing health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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