Herdsperson - Farm Yuma, Co

Smithfield Foods•Yuma, CO

6d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to support animal welfare. The role includes farm sanitation, animal removal and movement, and may involve operating farm equipment as directed. The Herdsperson provides care for animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding, and may train toward an advanced Herd Technician designation. Compensation is $18.75 per hour plus incentives. The position requires 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 available on call for emergencies such as power outages or personnel shortages.

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, with frequent variation; weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
Must be on call for emergency situations, including power outages or personnel shortages.
Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear frequently.
Must be able to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics, including 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; 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.
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, barn and office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing an appropriate environment, water and feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing health care, and adherence to euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.