Herdsperson - Farm 35051

Smithfield Foods•Trenton, NC

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 operating farm equipment as directed. The position may include training toward an advanced Herd Technician designation. The Herdsperson is responsible for the care of animals at the assigned work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous livestock handling is helpful.
Ability to perform hard physical labor.
Strong commitment to teamwork and ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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.
Weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed; must be on call for emergencies, including power outages or personnel shortages.
Ability to build strong working relationships and contribute to a positive work environment while being respectful, approachable, and team oriented.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work with and around antibiotics such as penicillin, and tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, and vaccinate animals and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
Adjust plans as directed by farm leadership and assist with animal movement and efficient animal flows.
Sanitize and wash farm areas using high-pressure equipment.
Process piglets, including administering medication, 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 operating procedures, production manuals, and appropriate training guides.
Assist with facility and equipment maintenance, barn and office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing appropriate environments, water, feed, humane treatment, health care, and euthanasia practices.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.