Herdsperson Trainee Contract Princeton

Smithfield Foods•Princeton, MO

12d

About The Position

The Herdsperson assists Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks to support animal welfare. Duties include farm sanitation, animal removal and movement, and operating farm equipment as directed. The employee may be training for an advanced Herd Technician designation. The role also involves caring for animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.

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 handle standardized situations.
Ability to work an average 48-hour work week, which may vary frequently.
Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
Availability for emergency on-call 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 a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
Close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous livestock handling experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, and vaccinate animals and 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 by 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 the barn and office and perform laundry duties.
Follow animal welfare policies and procedures, including providing appropriate environments, water, feed, humane treatment, health care, and euthanasia practices.
Comply with environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.