Herdsperson - Fox Ridge

Smithfield Foods • Wadesboro, NC

3d

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 care of animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding. The employee may operate farm equipment as directed and may be training toward an advanced Herd Technician designation.

The role includes feeding, watering, vaccinating, and performing general husbandry and basic veterinary procedures; processing piglets; treating sick animals; maintaining production records; and helping with facility and equipment maintenance and cleanliness. The Herdsperson follows operational, animal welfare, environmental, safety, and biosecurity procedures.

The position requires an average 48-hour work week that may vary frequently. Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required, as may on-call availability for emergencies. Work involves physically demanding farm duties and exposure to antibiotics, blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequent noise.

Requirements

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made.
• 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 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 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

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

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals, administer vaccinations, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• Adapt plans as directed by farm leadership.
• Assist in 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 feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing healthcare, and euthanasia guidelines.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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