The Sow Herdsman is responsible for the daily care and management of animals within a modern sow farm. This role works closely with a team to ensure animal well-being, maintain production standards, and support the farm's overall success. Responsibilities include animal care, health observation, breeding and farrowing activities, recordkeeping, facility sanitation, and adherence to biosecurity and safety protocols. No prior swine experience is required; individuals with a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to animal care are encouraged to apply. This position offers hands-on training and the opportunity to build a long-term career in agriculture.
In this role you should expect to:
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Work in a cohesive team environment to provide excellent daily, essential care to swine herd
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Assist with farrowing, breeding and gestation
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Move animals using safe handling practices
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Wean pigs according to farm protocols
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Load and unload pigs as scheduled
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Provide proactive and responsive care to promote wellness amongst herd
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Adhere to all bio-security standards (ex. showering in and out of facilities)
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Help ensure cleanliness and sanitation of work area
- Work weekend and holiday hours as required on a rotational basis
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Champion a Safety culture
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Follow all company policy and procedures
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Carry out other duties as assigned
What you'll need to succeed in this role:
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Animal care experience preferred but not required
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Work under limited supervision
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Demonstrate independent decision-making skills in a fast-paced work environment
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Attention to detail
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Excellent communication skills
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Able to work a weekly schedule with rotating weekends and holidays
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Reliable and dependable transportation to get to and from work located in a rural area
Physical requirements and work environment of this role:
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach for extended periods (8–10 hours per shift).
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Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds frequently and occasionally more with assistance.
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Ability to safely navigate barns, gates, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
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Ability to work in close proximity to live animals, including exposure to noise and odors.
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Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and animal handling.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, gloves, boots, and respiratory protection if required.
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Ability to comply with strict biosecurity procedures, including showering and clothing changes.
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Ability to work in dusty, humid, hot, or cold barn environments.
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Ability to maintain awareness and coordination while working around animals and equipment.
Equal Opportunity and ADA Statement
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform functions of the position.
While no job description can anticipate or encompass all the duties required by the job, this description is designed to give a general understanding of job expectations. The manager assigned to supervise would be your first source for information concerning the overall job demands. Any other information needed can be obtained from the Sow Farm Manager or Human Resources Manager.
Rooted in Family. Driven by Purpose. Work That Matters.
Tosh Farms is a family-owned agricultural company and Tennessee's leading pork producer. For generations, our success has been built on strong family values, hard work, and a commitment to producing safe, high-quality food. Every day, our employees play an important role in helping feed families across America.
At Tosh Farms, we believe our people are the foundation of our success. We are committed to providing stable employment, opportunities for growth, and a workplace where employees are valued and respected. Whether you're beginning your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find meaningful work and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
