Herdsperson - Farm 55761

Smithfield Foods•Maxton, NC

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to support animal welfare, health, growth, and breeding at the designated work site. Duties include farm sanitation, animal care and treatment, and moving animals. The employee may operate farm equipment as directed and may train toward an advanced Herd Technician designation.

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 in and out of 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 required as needed.
Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, 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.
Adjust plans as directed by farm leadership and 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, barn and office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
Follow company animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing an appropriate environment, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing health care, and compliance with euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Be available for emergency on-call situations, including power outages or personnel shortages.