Livestock Handler Trainee

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Herdsperson Trainee/Laborer Farm to join our team at Smithfield Foods. As a key member of our farm operations team, you will assist in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare and well-being of our animals.

• Feed, water, and vaccinate animals, as well as perform general animal husbandry tasks, including basic veterinary procedures.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, with a willingness to change plans according to the direction of farm leadership.
• Assist in moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows, while ensuring the health and safety of both animals and team members.
• Sanitize and wash multiple areas on the farm using high-pressure equipment, maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Process piglets, including injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching, while following established protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate production information and update department records as required, ensuring data integrity and compliance with company standards.
• Treat sick animals with a variety of pharmaceuticals, using injection, oral application, and/or other methods as required, while following established protocols and guidelines.
• Assist with facility and equipment maintenance, ensuring the smooth operation of farm operations.
• Assist with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
• Follow company animal welfare policies and procedures, ensuring the humane treatment of animals and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental, safety, and biosecurity laws and procedures, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous livestock handling experience helpful.
• Ability to perform hard physical labor, with a strong commitment to teamwork and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations, while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude.
• Must be able to work an average 48-hour work week, with flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays 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, with a strong commitment to building positive working relationships and a positive work environment.

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

Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. Must be able to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin. Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.