Herdsperson - Valley View

Smithfield Foods•Greencastle, MO

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure animal welfare. Responsibilities include farm sanitation, animal removal and movement, and operating farm equipment as directed. The role provides care for animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding, and may include training 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 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, and on-call availability for emergencies such as 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 perform the essential duties, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently stand, walk, handle or feel with hands, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
Ability 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.
High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, vaccinate, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
Adapt 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 with pharmaceuticals 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 animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing an appropriate physical environment, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and treatment of animals needing health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.
Perform other duties as assigned.