Head of Department (HOD1) Nursery/Finishing - Farm 85213

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Your Opportunity

Compensation: $20.10 per hour.

The Nursery-Finishing HOD directs the daily operation of the farm wean-to-finish department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, scheduling and assigning tasks to meet production goals, staff development/training, animal and human health and welfare. Knows and performs all department functions/tasks personally and through subordinates. The Head of Department position will also provide for the care of all animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth and basic maintenance.

Core Responsibilities

• Follow the safety requirements of the Injury Prevention System (IPS).

• Maintain site bio-security.

• Abide by all company policies, procedures and guidelines as directed by farm leadership. 

• Lead employees in the completion of each day’s tasks

• Work as a team player by accomplishing daily department work requirements and farm goals.

• Ensures the day-to-day activities and processes are scheduled/performed according to standard procedures/policies in company technical manuals and relevant company documentation.

• Trains and monitors subordinate performance and provides appropriate coaching.

• Performs necropsy to collect tissue samples for diagnosis.

• Maintains all equipment and the correct environment in all section barns at all times. All inconsistencies are identified and immediately rectified.

• Manages, monitors and controls feed inventory at all times to satisfy animal requirements and to minimize waste. Manages day-to-day inventory procedures for the section and practices standard inventory control initiatives.

• Maintain accurate production information and update all department records as required.

• Treat sick animals with a variety of pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, and/or other methods as required.

• Follow the Standard Operating Procedures, Production Manuals, or Appropriate Training Guides as required.

• Follow 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 to include proper disposal of animals.

• Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures.

• Report all environmental issues immediately to their supervisor.

• Read and understand the company’s emergency notification process and how it applies to their specific worksite.

• Responsible for understanding all safety requirements of the job and ensuring their employee’s compliance with the safety requirements.

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.

• 2 years’ direct experience in handling livestock and managing animal welfare required.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.

• Certification in department, required.

• 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 week, which can vary frequently.

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.

• Must be on call to work in emergency situations to include but not limited to, power outages or personnel shortages.

• Must be able to tolerate and willing to learn and perform the following tasks: euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging for identification, taking blood samples and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.

• 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 tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides leadership and guidance to personnel within their department with Manager oversight.

Relocation Package Available Yes

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.