Herdsperson Trainee: Livestock Care & Training

Smithfield Foods; Princeton (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Herdsperson to assist Herd Technicians in caring for animals and maintaining farm operations. You will help with sanitation, animal movement, and daily care to support welfare and growth.

Responsibilities include feeding, vaccinating, moving animals, and maintaining records. This role requires physical stamina, teamwork, and flexibility with farm leadership; weekend and holidays may be required.

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.

Responsibilities

• Feeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.
• Maintains flexibility with a willingness to change plans according to 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 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.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental, safety and biosecurity laws and procedures.

Skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Following instructions

Ability to work in fast-paced env

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Herdsperson to assist Herd Technicians in caring for animals and maintaining farm operations. You will help with sanitation, animal movement, and daily care to support welfare and growth.

Responsibilities include feeding, vaccinating, moving animals, and maintaining records. This role requires physical stamina, teamwork, and flexibility with farm leadership; weekend and holidays may be required.