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Herdsperson Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your Opportunity The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal ...

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Your Opportunity The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal ...

Your Opportunity The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal ...

Herdsperson Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do herdsperson trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for herdsperson trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Herdsperson Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Herdsperson Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal husbandry, livestock care, and farm safety, often with a relevant agricultural qualification or willingness to train. Familiarity with farm management software, milking equipment, feeding systems, and basic veterinary tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure effective animal welfare, operational efficiency, and contribute to the overall productivity and sustainability of the farm.

What is a Herdsperson Trainee?

A Herdsperson Trainee is an entry-level agricultural worker who assists with the care and management of livestock, typically on a farm or ranch. The role involves tasks such as feeding, monitoring animal health, cleaning enclosures, and learning about breeding and recordkeeping. Under supervision, trainees gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to become a fully qualified herdsperson. This position is ideal for individuals interested in starting a career in animal husbandry or farm management.

What are some common challenges faced by Herdsperson Trainees in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

As a Herdsperson Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to early morning routines, learning to recognize signs of animal health issues, and mastering the use of farm machinery and technology. Building strong observation skills and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can help you quickly identify and address livestock needs. Proactively asking questions and participating in training sessions will accelerate your learning curve and help you become a valuable team member. Over time, these experiences will build your confidence and prepare you for greater responsibilities within the herd management team.

What is the difference between Herdsperson Trainee vs Herdsman?

AspectHerdsperson TraineeHerdsman
CredentialsMay require basic farm or animal handling certificationsTypically has hands-on experience, less formal certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasksFull-time farm or ranch setting
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in agriculture or livestock farmsEstablished role in livestock management

Herdsperson Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning and developing skills under supervision, often requiring basic certifications. In contrast, a Herdsman is a more experienced worker responsible for managing livestock independently. The trainee position is ideal for those starting in the industry, while the Herdsman role involves more responsibility and hands-on experience.

What cities are hiring for Herdsperson Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Herdsperson Trainee job openings:
What states have the most Herdsperson Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Herdsperson Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Herdsperson Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Herdsperson Trainee jobs are:
Infographic showing various Herdsperson Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Internship, 14% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 17% Temporary, 21% Contract, and 23% Nights. Highlights an 5% Physical, 24% Hybrid, and 71% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Herdsperson - Cyclone Boar Stud

Herdsperson - Cyclone Boar Stud

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Sheldon, MO • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
Your Opportunity
Hourly Rate: $17.50
The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal removal, and animal movement. Employee may operate mowers, tractors, trucks, bus, and other farm equipment as directed. May be in training for advanced Herd Technician designation. The Herdsperson position will also provide for the care of all animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.
Core 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.

The above 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.
Qualifications
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 GED preferred.
  • Previous livestock handing 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.

Work Environment & Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics & 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 (i.e. penicillin).
  • Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Relocation Package AvailableNo
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.