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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Farm Worker

💰 $24,000 - $40,000

AgricultureFarmingField LaborSeasonal Work

🎯 Role Definition

A Farm Worker (also called Agricultural Worker or Field Laborer) performs hands-on tasks to plant, cultivate, protect and harvest crops and/or care for livestock. This role includes operating farm equipment (tractors, harvesters), installing and maintaining irrigation systems, applying fertilizers and approved crop protection products under direction, performing routine equipment and facility maintenance, and following safety and quality procedures. The ideal candidate demonstrates physical stamina, strong attention to detail, basic mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safe, efficient farm operations.

This job description is optimized for recruiters and applicant tracking systems, highlighting core duties such as planting, pruning, pest management, irrigation management, harvest operations, packing, and livestock husbandry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Seasonal Agricultural Laborer / Fruit Picker
  • Landscaping Assistant / Nursery Worker
  • General Labor or Groundskeeping

Advancement To:

  • Senior Farm Worker / Lead Harvester
  • Equipment Operator / Tractor Driver
  • Irrigation Technician / Field Supervisor
  • Crop Scout / Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Greenhouse Technician
  • Packing House Team Lead
  • Farm Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan and execute planting operations including seed spacing, depth, and row preparation to meet crop plans and yield targets; operate seed drills, transplanters, and hand-planting tools as required.
  • Perform cultivation and soil management tasks such as tilling, bed shaping, soil amendment application, and compaction mitigation to maintain optimal growing conditions.
  • Operate tractors, mowers, harvesters, sprayers, and other heavy and light farm machinery safely and efficiently; perform pre- and post-operation safety checks and report defects.
  • Conduct crop maintenance including pruning, thinning, trellising, staking, and canopy management to promote plant health and maximize fruit/vegetable quality.
  • Execute manual and mechanized harvesting operations—sorting, cutting, picking, and bundling—ensuring minimal crop damage and strict quality standards.
  • Set up, monitor, and adjust irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot), manage water schedules, and troubleshoot leaks or clogs to optimize water use and crop performance.
  • Apply fertilizers, soil amendments, and approved pesticides/herbicides according to label instructions and under licensed supervision when required, maintaining accurate application records.
  • Scout fields for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stress; document findings and coordinate with supervisors on treatment or mitigation plans.
  • Perform post-harvest handling tasks including grading, washing, cooling, packing, labeling, and palletizing to meet market and food-safety requirements.
  • Load and unload harvested produce, feed, fertilizer, and supplies; secure cargo for transport and assist drivers during farm shipments.
  • Care for livestock and poultry when assigned—feeding, watering, cleaning housing, monitoring health, assisting with routine animal handling, and following biosecurity protocols.
  • Monitor and maintain greenhouses, hoop houses, and other protected culture structures: temperature control, ventilation, shading, and pest exclusion measures.
  • Maintain accurate daily production logs, harvest yields, chemical application records, and equipment maintenance records for traceability and regulatory compliance.
  • Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on farm equipment, irrigation systems, and facilities (fencing, gates, barns, sheds) to reduce downtime.
  • Participate in integrated pest management (IPM) activities, including installing traps, releasing beneficial insects, and deploying cultural controls.
  • Follow all food-safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) protocols during harvest and packing to ensure product safety for consumers.
  • Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards (PPE use, lockout/tagout, confined-space practices) and report hazards or incidents immediately.
  • Train and mentor seasonal workers and new hires in safe crop handling, proper tool use, and quality standards to improve team performance.
  • Assist with inventory control: track seed, fertilizer, chemicals, spare parts, and other supplies; notify supervisors of shortages and assist with stock rotation.
  • Implement erosion control and soil conservation practices (cover crops, contour planting, mulching) to maintain long-term land productivity.
  • Participate in seasonal planning and labor allocation—adjust daily priorities to meet weather windows, harvest peaks, and customer schedules.
  • Support farm sustainability initiatives such as composting, water conservation, and renewable energy equipment upkeep.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist farm managers with data collection for yield analysis, input usage, and cost tracking to inform operational decisions.
  • Support routine safety training sessions and help maintain first-aid kits, spill kits, and emergency response equipment on site.
  • Collaborate with packing and logistics teams to schedule shipments, optimize packaging, and reduce post-harvest losses.
  • Help coordinate visits from inspectors, agronomists, and buyers by preparing fields, records, and produce samples.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting process changes that increase efficiency, lower costs, or improve quality.
  • Provide customer-facing support during farm tours, U-pick operations, or on-site farm stands, upholding product and brand standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Tractor and farm equipment operation (implements, loaders, mowers, harvesters).
  • Safe handling and application of fertilizers, soil amendments, and agrochemicals (pesticide application experience or willingness to obtain certification).
  • Irrigation system setup and maintenance (drip tape, sprinklers, pumps, controllers).
  • Harvesting techniques for fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, including grading and packing.
  • Livestock husbandry basics (feeding, basic health checks, safe animal handling) when applicable.
  • Basic mechanical and maintenance skills (small engine repair, hydraulic/electrical troubleshooting, welding basics).
  • Use of hand tools and power tools for pruning, trellising, and fence repair.
  • Post-harvest handling and cold-chain practices: washing, cooling, storage, and traceability documentation.
  • Crop scouting and pest/disease identification; experience with IPM practices.
  • Recordkeeping and familiarity with farm management software, spreadsheets, or digital logs.
  • Knowledge of food safety and GAP/HACCP principles.
  • Forklift or pallet jack operation (preferred or required at some sites).
  • CDL or valid driver's license for equipment towing and light transport (preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Physical stamina and endurance to perform repetitive, labor-intensive tasks outdoors in varied weather.
  • Strong attention to detail to meet quality standards and follow precise application/harvest instructions.
  • Dependability and punctuality; ability to follow shift schedules and seasonal workload demands.
  • Teamwork and collaboration with supervisors, crew members, packing, and logistics teams.
  • Clear verbal communication for following instructions and documenting issues.
  • Adaptability and problem-solving to respond to weather, equipment failures, and crop variability.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize tasks during peak windows (planting/harvest).
  • Commitment to safety culture and willingness to follow PPE and procedural guidelines.
  • Willingness to learn new techniques, technologies, and certifications (e.g., pesticide applicator license).
  • Customer-service orientation for roles that include public interaction (farm stands, tours, U-pick).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Basic literacy and numeracy to follow labels and complete records.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or vocational training in agriculture, horticulture, animal science, or farm equipment operation.
  • Pesticide applicator certification or willingness to obtain within probationary period.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Agriculture
  • Horticulture
  • Animal Science
  • Agribusiness / Farm Management
  • Sustainable Agriculture / Soil Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years (entry to mid-level) depending on seasonality and crop complexity.

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years of hands-on farm experience for general farm worker roles.
  • Prior experience operating tractors and implements, performing harvest, and following food-safety protocols for higher-level or year-round positions.
  • Certifications such as pesticide applicator license, forklift certification, or equipment-specific training are advantageous.

Additional requirements that may apply depending on employer: reliable transportation, ability to pass pre-employment drug screening, willingness to work extended hours during planting/harvest, and eligibility to work in the hiring country.

Keywords: farm worker, agricultural worker, field laborer, planting, harvesting, irrigation, tractor operator, crop management, livestock care, pesticide applicator, post-harvest handling, food safety, GAP, IPM, seasonal farm jobs.

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