Herdsperson Trainee: On-the-Job Training & Growth

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well programs

LinkedIn Learning access

Guild tuition assistance

Employee scholarship program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is hiring a Herdsperson to support herd technicians with animal care and general farm tasks. Responsibilities include feeding, vaccinating, moving animals, sanitation, and animal welfare oversight on site.

The role requires ability to perform hard physical labor, adapt to farm leadership directions, and work a 48-hour week including weekends. Training and career advancement opportunities are provided in a full-time environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handing 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 personnel shortages.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

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 department records as required.
• Treats sick animals with various medications by injection, oral application, and other methods as required.
• Follows SOPs, Production Manuals, or training guides as required.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Assists with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
• Follows animal welfare policies including humane treatment and environmental needs.

Skills

Livestock handling

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is hiring a Herdsperson to support herd technicians with animal care and general farm tasks. Responsibilities include feeding, vaccinating, moving animals, sanitation, and animal welfare oversight on site.

The role requires ability to perform hard physical labor, adapt to farm leadership directions, and work a 48-hour week including weekends. Training and career advancement opportunities are provided in a full-time environment.