Swine Herdsperson: On‑the‑Job Training & Growth

Smithfield Foods; Wakefield (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Benefits

Advancement opportunities

Pay incentives

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Finishing Swine Herdsperson (Herdsperson) in the Wakefield area. The role supports herd technicians, performs animal care, and operates farm equipment while ensuring welfare and production goals are met.

Responsibilities include feeding and vaccination, animal movement, sanitation, processing piglets, and maintaining records. On-the-job training is provided along with benefits and advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handling is 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 handle standardized situations.
• Must be able to work an average 48-hour work week.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.

Responsibilities

• Feeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.
• 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 production information and updates department records.
• Treats sick animals with various pharmaceuticals as required.
• Follows SOPs, manuals, or training guides as required.
• Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.
• Maintains barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
• Follows animal welfare policies and provides humane treatment.

Skills

Hard physical labor

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Follow instructions

On-call readiness

Safety awareness

Respectful and collaborative

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Finishing Swine Herdsperson (Herdsperson) in the Wakefield area. The role supports herd technicians, performs animal care, and operates farm equipment while ensuring welfare and production goals are met.

Responsibilities include feeding and vaccination, animal movement, sanitation, processing piglets, and maintaining records. On-the-job training is provided along with benefits and advancement opportunities.