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Apprentice Farm Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

Be familiar with crop chemicals, farming practices, crop characteristics, and weed identifications. * Possess the willingness to adapt to changing application technologies as well as seasonal ...

Apprentice Farm information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do apprentice farm jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice farm in Fort Wayne, IN is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.87 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 Fort Wayne, IN?

The most popular types of Farm jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Farm job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,730 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Apprentice Applicator

Keystone Cooperative

Decatur, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Keystone Cooperative rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 65 rated farming


Job description

Job Description
Overview of Position: The purpose of the position is to apply products safely and accurately to a wide range of labeled crops and sites from recommendations made by the Manager/Salesperson. This position also operates and maintains Company equipment involved in these applications. This includes building and maintaining customer relations through quality application of fertilizer products and providing feedback to customers and location manager of field conditions that they note during application. Upon annual performance evaluations, this position could lead to a Professional Custom Applicator.
Check out the below one-minute video on the day in the life of our applicators:
https://youtu.be/DaiIWBLvQz8
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides quality application of crop protection, fertilizer products and lime to customers in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Utilize the information supplied and the technology in the application equipment to ensure that the right products at the right rates are applied and billed to the right fields and customers.
  • Assist in the mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting of crop protection and fertilizer products.
  • Consistently follows all laws, regulations, and safety rules (including PPE) in handling and applying products and storing chemicals.
  • Obtains/maintains state commercial applicator certification and stays current with requirements.
  • Performs daily inspection of equipment prior to field applications and post application inspections.
  • Maintains safety equipment in optimum condition in the applicator equipment and immediate work area; follows all safety regulations and guidelines.
  • Maintains the appropriate applicator and equipment logs and ensures they are kept up to date.
  • Performs the required calibration and preventive maintenance program recommended for the equipment.
  • Comply with regulatory guidelines in tank mixing, rinsing, and washing down both in the field and at the location.
  • Assist other team members in various physical duties necessary in running an agricultural location.
  • Assist with operational scouting, product transportation and various services for customers.

  • Follow Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
  • Applies the correct labeling, decals and DOT numbers to equipment and tanks.
  • May serve as the location Safety Coordinator and adheres to the company's environmental health and safety policies and training.

Required Qualifications
  • High School graduate or GED; may be offset by experience.
  • Minimum of 1 year of application experience
  • Valid driver's license; must be able to meet a Motor Vehicle Review in accordance with Company policy.
  • Must obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification as required by state.
  • Minimum of an Ag CDL.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Communicate effectively with team members and customers and represent Keystone Cooperative in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Ability to read, count, and write to accurately complete all documentation, including understanding shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs and emergency procedures.
  • Basic mechanical skills for daily maintenance of equipment preferred.
  • Be familiar with crop chemicals, farming practices, crop characteristics, and weed identifications.
  • Possess the willingness to adapt to changing application technologies as well as seasonal variations in workload responsibilities.
  • Accurately locate application site and read field maps.
  • Must be a team player and enjoy the effort necessary to contribute to a successful operation and company.

  • Required overtime as the season demands.

Physical Demands
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • The employee needs to stay in good physical condition to regularly lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, perform preventive maintenance activities, and perform other physical duties necessary in running an agricultural location. Employee will regularly be required to walk, stand, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, handle, feel and grasp.

What Keystone Cooperative employees say

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