Herdsperson Trainee: Livestock Care & Farm Operations

Murphy-Brown LLC; Princeton (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well programs

LinkedIn Learning

Guild tuition assistance

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Herdsperson to support Herd Technicians in daily animal care and farm tasks. You will sanitize facilities, move animals, and assist with piglet processing, including injections and castration, while maintaining accurate production records.

The role requires the ability to perform hard physical labor, follow standardized procedures, and work long hours including weekends or holidays. Training and onboarding will emphasize animal welfare and safety protocols.

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.
• Must be on call for emergency situations including power outages or staff shortages.

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 update 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 Operation 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 proper environment, water, feed, humane treatment, identification, and health care.

Skills

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

Ability to follow instructions

On-call availability

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Herdsperson to support Herd Technicians in daily animal care and farm tasks. You will sanitize facilities, move animals, and assist with piglet processing, including injections and castration, while maintaining accurate production records.

The role requires the ability to perform hard physical labor, follow standardized procedures, and work long hours including weekends or holidays. Training and onboarding will emphasize animal welfare and safety protocols.