Herdsperson - Farm 76851

Smithfield Foods•Hamlet, NC

8d•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 position may be a training step toward an advanced Herd Technician designation. The Herdsperson provides care for animals at the designated work site, with particular attention to their health, growth, and breeding.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous livestock handling experience 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, which can vary frequently.
Weekend, evening, and holiday work 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 wide range of antibiotics, such as penicillin.
Ability to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous livestock handling experience.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, and vaccinate animals and perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
Adjust 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 with pharmaceuticals through injection, oral application, or other required methods.
Follow Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, and applicable training guides.
Assist with facility and equipment maintenance.
Help maintain barn and office cleanliness 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 appropriate health care for animals in need, 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.