Livestock Care & Herd Technician

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 46,563,000 - 49,594,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Laurel Hill, NC is seeking a Herdsperson to support herd technicians in daily animal care and farm tasks, including feeding, watering, vaccination, and movement. This onsite role emphasizes animal welfare, safety, and teamwork.

Employees may operate farm equipment, assist with piglet processing, and maintain records. The position requires physical work, flexibility for a 48-hour week, and on-call availability; candidates must adhere to welfare and biosecurity guidelines.

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.
• 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 to include but not limit to power outages or personnel shortages.
• 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.

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, which includes: 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

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

Ability to follow instructions

On-call readiness

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Laurel Hill, NC is seeking a Herdsperson to support herd technicians in daily animal care and farm tasks, including feeding, watering, vaccination, and movement. This onsite role emphasizes animal welfare, safety, and teamwork.

Employees may operate farm equipment, assist with piglet processing, and maintain records. The position requires physical work, flexibility for a 48-hour week, and on-call availability; candidates must adhere to welfare and biosecurity guidelines.