1

Farm Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ensure that ALL animals across the farm have received proper feed, water, ventilation, and bedding on a daily basis, and 100% of all NR protocol and guidelines are followed * Assist with all other ...

Ensure that ALL animals across the farm have received proper feed, water, ventilation, and bedding on a daily basis, and 100% of all NR protocol and guidelines are followed * Assist with all other ...

Ensure that ALL animals across the farm have received proper feed, water, ventilation, and bedding on a daily basis, and 100% of all NR protocol and guidelines are followed * Assist with all other ...

Farm Production Assistant Southside Blooms Location: Chicago, IL Type: Part Time / Seasonal (depending on need) About Southside Blooms Southside Blooms is a social enterprise cut flower farm based on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Farm Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do farm assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm assistant in Illinois is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a farm assistant?

A farm assistant works closely with the farmer and other farm employees to assist with planting, harvesting, washing, packaging, and cleaning fresh produce. Your responsibilities include helping with weeding, pruning, plant and soil maintenance, seeding, and more. If the farm has animals, you also help with feeding, watering, and moving livestock as needed. Some jobs require you to help get the products to market, which involves talking with customers and leading volunteers. Other duties include training and supervising interns and keeping accurate records of all farm operations, such as seeding and harvesting schedules, pest and diseases, and management history. As a farm assistant, you use a variety of hand tools and machinery to complete your tasks, so you should be familiar with basic agriculture equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a farm assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Farm Assistant, you need practical knowledge of agriculture, basic animal care, and physical stamina, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with farm machinery, irrigation systems, and safety procedures is commonly required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and problem-solving abilities help you adapt to changing tasks and weather conditions. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient farm operations and maintaining the health and productivity of crops and livestock.

What are some common challenges a farm assistant might face during peak seasons?

During peak seasons, such as planting or harvest time, Farm Assistants often experience longer working hours, physically demanding tasks, and the need to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions. Coordination with other team members becomes crucial to ensure that tasks like irrigation, crop monitoring, and machinery operation are completed efficiently. Flexibility and strong communication skills are valuable, as priorities can shift rapidly based on the farm's needs and unexpected situations like equipment breakdowns.

What is the difference between Farm Assistant vs Farm Worker?

AspectFarm AssistantFarm Worker
CredentialsMay require basic agricultural training or certificationsTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentAssists with farm operations, often in organized settingsPerforms manual labor, often outdoors in fields or orchards
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in farms, ranches, and agricultural businessesUsed broadly across various farming operations

Farm Assistants generally have some basic training and assist with a variety of farm tasks, often working under supervision. Farm Workers perform manual labor, usually outdoors, with less emphasis on formal training. Both roles are vital in agricultural settings, but Farm Assistants often have slightly more responsibilities and may require certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Farm jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Farm Assistant jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Assistant jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Farm Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Farm Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,595 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

  • Perform safe and efficient equipment operation and proper preventative maintenance and repairs that allows the entire farm to focus on the production of healthy pigs. 
  • Ensure that ALL animals across the farm have received proper feed, water, ventilation, and bedding on a daily basis, and 100% of all NR protocol and guidelines are followed
  • Assist with all other aspects of the farm to ensure farm goals and targets are met and tasks are completed on a daily basis

Production Responsibilities:

  • Assist in maintaining all farm infrastructure includes huts, shelters, hoops, buildings, and equipment
  • Safely and efficiently operate farm tractors, loaders, skid steers, feed mixers, manure spreaders, mowers, tillage and straw equipment
  • Check, prepare, and maintain equipment prior to use
  • Keep accurate service records on all equipment
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly appearance of the entire farm
  • Assist in monitoring and maintaining the water system
  • Assist in making seasonally appropriate repairs and adjustments to gestation tanks, farrowing huts, wallow plumbing, watering equipment and water system
  • Protect the health and safety of staff as the humane treatment of animals
  • Ensure all animal pens and handling facilities are in good working order, and routinely cleaned
  • Conserve farm resources such as supplies, equipment and time
  • Promote cooperation and contribute to adequate staffing
  • Communicate openly and freely with others
  • Notify and discuss openly with management any problems, questions or concerns
  • Any other duties as assigned, requested, or directed by management/supervisor

Leadership:

  • Develop daily and weekly work schedules of tasks needing to be completed
  • Organize, prioritize and manage time and maximize quality and efficiency of work
  • Be a positive example in attitude, respect, honesty, integrity, and work ethic
  • Promote cooperation within and across departments through staff and equipment sharing

Education/Requirements:

  • Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Experience working with farm equipment, performing maintenance, welding, etc.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Assist in maintaining all farm infrastructure includes huts, shelters, hoops, buildings, and equipment
  • Safely and efficiently operate farm tractors, loaders, skid steers, feed mixers, manure spreaders, mowers, tillage and straw equipment
  • Check, prepare, and maintain equipment prior to use
  • Keep accurate service records on all equipment
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly appearance of the entire farm
  • Assist in monitoring and maintaining the water system
  • Assist in making seasonally appropriate repairs and adjustments to gestation tanks, farrowing huts, wallow plumbing, watering equipment and water system
  • Protect the health and safety of staff as the humane treatment of animals
  • Ensure all animal pens and handling facilities are in good working order, and routinely cleaned
  • Conserve farm resources such as supplies, equipment and time
  • Promote cooperation and contribute to adequate staffing
  • Communicate openly and freely with others
  • Notify and discuss openly with management any problems, questions or concerns
  • Any other duties as assigned, requested, or directed by management/supervisor

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.


What Perdue Farms employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom