Herdsperson - Sow Farm Trainee

About the role

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in the Core Four values—gratitude, communication, respect and accountability—and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare and well‑being of the animals. The role may involve operating mowers, tractors, trucks, buses, and other farm equipment, and may be in training for an advanced Herd Technician designation.

Responsibilities

• Feeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.
• Maintains flexibility with a willingness to change plans according to the direction of farm leadership.
• Assists in moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.
• Sanitizes and washes multiple areas on the farm using high‑pressure equipment.
• Processes piglets, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
• Maintains accurate production information and updates all department records as required.
• Treats sick animals with a variety of pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, and/or other methods as required.
• Follows Standard Operating Procedures, Production Manuals, or appropriate training guides.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assists with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
• Follows the company’s animal welfare policies, providing a suitable physical environment, adequate water and high‑quality feed, humane treatment, proper identification, health care, and euthanasia guidelines.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handling experience helpful.
• Ability to perform hard physical labor.
• Strong commitment to teamwork.
• Willingness to shower daily in and out of the facility.
• Ability to follow instructions and handle standardized situations.
• Must be able to work an average 48‑hour work week, with frequent variations.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• Must be on call for emergency situations such as 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.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lb.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Must be able to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics (e.g., penicillin).
• Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Pay

Start pay: $16.75 per hour plus incentives.

Benefits

• IndSPR‑Hog relocation package available.