Herdsperson - Skilled Animal Care & Farm Operations

Murphy-Brown LLC; Maxton (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield in Smithfield, VA is hiring a Herdsperson to assist Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks, ensuring the welfare of the pigs. You help with feeding, vaccination, movement of animals, sanitation, and keeping records.

This role requires hard physical labor, teamwork, and the ability to follow procedures. Expect varied shifts including weekends and holidays, with on-call duties for emergencies and training toward advanced Herd Technician designation.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience with livestock helpful.
• Ability to do hard physical labor.
• Willingness to shower daily in and out of facility.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• Must be on call for emergencies.

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 injections, castration, 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 the Standard Operating Procedures, Production Manuals, or Appropriate Training Guides as required.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assists with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
• Follows the Company's animal welfare policies and procedures including providing a physical environment meeting animal needs.

Skills

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

Follow instructions

On-call availability

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Smithfield in Smithfield, VA is hiring a Herdsperson to assist Herd Technicians with routine animal care and general farm tasks, ensuring the welfare of the pigs. You help with feeding, vaccination, movement of animals, sanitation, and keeping records.

This role requires hard physical labor, teamwork, and the ability to follow procedures. Expect varied shifts including weekends and holidays, with on-call duties for emergencies and training toward advanced Herd Technician designation.