Hog Receiver

Smithfield Foods; Denison (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Denison, IA is seeking a Hog Receiver to manage the intake of hogs, coordinate movement to holding pens, and uphold animal welfare and safety standards, including adherence to PQA and TQA.

The role emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a dynamic plant environment with physical tasks and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in agriculture industry preferred.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office, especially Excel, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, unload, and sort hogs by quality and weight.
• Move hogs from trucks to holding pens safely and efficiently.
• Identify, weigh, count livestock and track any dead or non-ambulatory animals.

Skills

Independent work

Multi-tasking

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma (GED)

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Value You’ll Bring

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a Hog Receiver, you’ll play a hands‑on role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and humane handling of livestock as they arrive at our facility. You'll be responsible for coordinating the movement of hogs from the receiving area to holding pens, all while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and safety, including compliance with PQA, TQA, and other key protocols. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys active, purpose-driven work and takes pride in being part of a team that prioritizes both animal care and workplace safety.

What You’ll Do

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Livestock Receiving and Handling: Receives, unloads, and sorts hogs based on quality and weight. Moves hogs from trucks to holding pens in a safe and efficient manner. Identifies (tattoos), scales, and accurately counts livestock, including tracking any dead or non‑ambulatory animals. Processes outgoing livestock as needed.
• Animal Welfare and Compliance: Monitors yard and truck conditions to ensure proper handling and compliance with corporate and governmental standards. Performs animal welfare audits to maintain ethical treatment of livestock. Completes PQA, TQA, and other required animal handling and safety training.
• Team Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly and effectively with team members and the management team to ensure smooth operations and address any issues in real time.

What We’re Seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); required.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Experience in the agriculture industry, preferred.
• Computer literacy knowledge including: all aspects of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, preferred.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritize daily work assignments and manage time wisely.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud when in the production area.
• Frequently required to move and/or lift 50 pounds and occasionally required to move and/or lift more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.