Herdsperson - Farm 85311

Smithfield Foods • Woodland, NC

1d

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to 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 train toward an advanced Herd Technician designation.

Compensation is $16.75 per hour plus incentives. The position requires an average 48-hour work week, which may vary frequently, with weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed. The employee must also be available on call for emergencies, including 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.
• 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, with frequent variation.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays 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 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 with hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, and vaccinate animals and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• Remain flexible and adjust plans according to farm leadership direction.
• 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 with pharmaceuticals through injection, oral application, or 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 an appropriate physical environment, adequate water and high-quality feed, humane treatment, identification and care for animals needing health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Operate mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment as directed.

What This Job Offers

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