Herdsperson Trainee

About the role

The Herdsperson position at Smithfield involves assisting other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare of the animals. Opportunities are available across various locations and functions, fostering a culture grounded in core values such as gratitude, communication, respect, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Feeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.
• Maintains flexibility with a willingness to change plans according to farm leadership.
• Aids in moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.
• Sanitizes and washes multiple areas on the farm using high pressure equipment.
• Processes piglets, which includes: 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.
• Fulfills the Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, or Appropriate Training Guides as required.
• Aids in facility and equipment maintenance.
• Aids in maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
• Follows the Company’s animal welfare policies and procedures including: providing a physical environment that meets the animal’s needs, providing access to adequate water and high quality feed, providing humane treatment of the animals, providing identification and appropriate treatment of animals in need of health care, and following the guidelines for euthanasia.
• Complies with all environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handling helpful.
• Ability to do hard physical labor.
• Strong commitment to teamwork.
• Willingness to shower daily in and out of facility.
• Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.
• Must be able to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• 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 lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
• 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 (i.e. penicillin).
• Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.