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Apprentice Farm Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Farm information

See Ames, IA salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do apprentice farm jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice farm in Ames, IA is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice farm?

Apprentice farm workers are individuals who are learning the skills and practices necessary to work effectively on a farm, typically under the guidance of experienced farmers. Their duties may include planting, harvesting, caring for livestock, maintaining equipment, and learning about sustainable agriculture. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and often include both practical work and educational components. The goal is to prepare apprentices for a career in farming or agricultural management. These positions are ideal for those seeking to gain firsthand knowledge of farming operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice farm worker?

To thrive as an Apprentice Farm Worker, you need basic agricultural knowledge, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with farm equipment, machinery, and safety procedures is typically required, and some programs may encourage training in sustainable agriculture practices. Strong work ethic, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for handling diverse daily tasks and changing conditions. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring effective farm operations, personal safety, and professional growth in the agricultural industry.

What are some common challenges faced by an apprentice farm worker during their training period?

As an Apprentice Farm worker, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to early work hours, learning to operate unfamiliar equipment, and building physical endurance for demanding tasks. Additionally, you’ll need to quickly acquire knowledge about crop cycles, livestock care, and safety protocols. Working closely with experienced farmers, apprentices often rotate through various tasks, which can be overwhelming at first but is essential for gaining a well-rounded skill set. Open communication, a willingness to learn, and asking questions can help you overcome these challenges and make the most of your apprenticeship.

What is the difference between Apprentice Farm vs Farm Worker?

AspectApprentice FarmFarm Worker
Required CredentialsBasic agricultural knowledge, possibly some certificationsMinimal formal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised training on farmsHands-on, routine farm tasks in fields or barns
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level positions for skill developmentFull-time or seasonal labor roles in agriculture

In summary, an Apprentice Farm is a trainee position designed for skill development and learning, often requiring some basic knowledge or certifications. A Farm Worker is a more experienced role focused on performing routine farm tasks. Both roles are common in agriculture, but apprenticeships emphasize training, while farm workers focus on task execution.

How do you become an apprentice farm?

To become an apprentice farm worker, applicants typically need to have a strong interest in agriculture, basic physical fitness, and sometimes prior experience or education related to farming. Many programs require completing an application, attending an interview, and may offer on-the-job training or certifications in areas like safety or equipment operation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Farm jobs in Ames, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Farm jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Farm jobs in Ames, IA are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Farm job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,389 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

RCIS Crop Field Service Representative

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.

Ames, IA • On-site

$82K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

RCIS provides insurance and superior services through leading agents to protect America’s farmers and ranchers. It’s been an innovator in crop insurance since the crop insurance business was privatized by the federal government in 1980. Today it’s one of the nation’s largest crop insurance providers, offering risk management protection in all 50 states through a national network of about 4,000 professionally trained and licensed agents.

We are currently looking for a Crop Field Service Representative to handle accounts for  Southern Iowa and Northeast Missouri. Estimated travel is 50%. This is a work from home role with a company car provided. The ideal candidate must live in the territory.

In this critical role you will be responsible for but not limited to: 

  • Delivers profitable growth through selling a broad and differentiated suite of solutions in a unified way and manage the existing portfolio.
  • Develops intimate knowledge of agent’s business model and proposition, and creates a business plan which optimizes identified opportunities that align with our growth strategies. 
  • Leads and manages holistic agent and customer value propositions to deliver profitable growth.
  • Retain business and grow market share in assigned territory by providing an enhanced customer experience for RCIS agents. 
  • Educate agents on RCIS products and provide consultation on how to more effectively market RCIS products to their customers and grow their business. 
  • Identify new or enhanced products and services that will assist agencies in maintaining and growing their business with RCIS.
  • Identify training needs and take a lead role in training agents on RCIS products and software. Coordinate and present at agent training meetings. 
  • Identify and analyze processing & servicing issues, make recommendations for solutions and collaborate with applicable departments to drive toward resolution. 
  • Ensure that agents are complying with all regulatory requirements related to processing their business, working with other departments to establish quality control processes as needed.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and assist in the development of SOPs as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree and 6 or more years of experience in the Sales area
    OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 8 or more years of experience in the Sales area 
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 6 or more years of experience in the Sales area


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Insurance industry experience
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed Salary range for this position is $82,800.00 - $135,600.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

 

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

 

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Iowa Virtual Office, AM - Missouri Virtual Office, AM - Omaha
Remote Working: Yes
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-AW1 #LI-REMOTE #LI-ASSOCIATE