Herdsperson - Fox Ridge

Smithfield Foods • Wadesboro, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position involves feeding, watering, vaccinating, and performing general husbandry and basic veterinary procedures; processing piglets; treating sick animals; maintaining accurate production records; cleaning and sanitizing farm areas; and assisting with facility and equipment maintenance. The Herdsperson must follow standard operating procedures, animal welfare policies, and environmental, safety, and biosecurity requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• 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 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, including 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 helpful.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, vaccinate, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• 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, orally, or by other required methods.
• Follow Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, and appropriate training guides.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Help maintain cleanliness in barns and offices and perform laundry duties.
• Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing appropriate environments, water and feed, humane treatment, health care, and euthanasia practices.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.

What This Job Offers

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