Herdsperson - Farm 76851

Smithfield Foods•Hamlet, NC

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks that support animal welfare, including sanitation, animal removal, and animal movement. The role provides care for animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding. The employee may operate farm equipment as directed and may be in training for an advanced Herd Technician designation. The position pays $16.75 per hour. The employee must be able to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently. Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required as needed, and the employee must be on call for emergencies such as power outages or personnel shortages.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
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 emergency situations, 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 range of antibiotics, such as penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Previous livestock handling experience is helpful.
May be in training for an advanced Herd Technician designation.

Responsibilities

Feed and water animals, vaccinate them, 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, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
Maintain accurate production information and update department records as required.
Treat sick animals using pharmaceuticals administered by injection, oral application, or other required methods.
Follow applicable Standard Operating Procedures, Production Manuals, and training guides.
Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
Help maintain barn and office cleanliness and perform laundry duties.
Follow company animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing suitable physical environments, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and appropriate health care, and compliance with euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
May operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.