Livestock Herdsperson — Animal Care & Farm Operations

Smithfield Foods; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in New Bern, NC is hiring a Herdsperson to support Herd Technicians and care for animals. You will assist with vaccination, feeding, movement, and general farm tasks while prioritizing welfare and biosecurity.

This role may involve training for advanced designation and requires physical stamina and flexibility. Starting pay is $16.75 per hour plus incentives; weekend/evening/holiday work 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.
• 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, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
• Maintains accurate production information and updates department records as required.
• Treats sick animals with various pharmaceuticals by injection or oral methods as required.
• Follows SOPs, 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 ensuring humane treatment and proper care.

Skills

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

On-call availability

Shower daily

Follow instructions

Weekend/evening/holiday work

48-hour week

Respectful and team oriented

Education

High School diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Smithfield Foods in New Bern, NC is hiring a Herdsperson to support Herd Technicians and care for animals. You will assist with vaccination, feeding, movement, and general farm tasks while prioritizing welfare and biosecurity.

This role may involve training for advanced designation and requires physical stamina and flexibility. Starting pay is $16.75 per hour plus incentives; weekend/evening/holiday work may be required.