Herdsperson - BS 7092

Smithfield Foods • New Bern, NC

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks that support animal welfare. Duties include farm sanitation, removing and moving animals, and operating farm equipment as directed. The role may include training toward an advanced Herd Technician designation and includes responsibility for the care, health, growth, and breeding of animals at the assigned work site.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 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 of 48 hours per week; hours may vary frequently.
• Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
• Availability for on-call emergency situations, 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 antibiotics, including penicillin.
• Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals, vaccinate them, and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• Adapt plans as directed by farm leadership.
• Move animals and help maintain efficient animal flows.
• Sanitize and wash farm areas using high-pressure equipment.
• Process piglets by 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 Operating Procedures, Production Manuals, and applicable training guides.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Help maintain cleanliness in the barn and office and perform laundry duties.
• Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including meeting animals’ environmental needs, providing adequate water and high-quality feed, treating animals humanely, identifying and providing appropriate care to animals needing health care, and following euthanasia guidelines.
• Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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