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Farm Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WFR

Assistant Farm Manager

Decorah, IA

Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn ...

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Essential ResponsibilitiesFarm Operations * Assist with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. * Operate tractors, combines, sprayers, grain carts, skid loaders, and other farm equipment.

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Essential ResponsibilitiesFarm Operations * Assist with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. * Operate tractors, combines, sprayers, grain carts, skid loaders, and other farm equipment.

Pingel Farms

Livestock Manager

Aurelia, IA · On-site

Monitor feed systems, assist with herd movements, and maintain accurate livestock records. * Assist in all farm areas as needed, including grain farming operations. * Collaborate with team members to ...

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Farm Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do farm assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm assistant in Iowa is $16.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.75 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 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 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 is a farm assistant called?

A farm assistant is often referred to as a farmworker, farmhand, or agricultural laborer. These roles involve tasks such as planting, harvesting, and caring for crops or livestock, often requiring physical stamina and knowledge of farming equipment. Job titles may vary depending on the specific duties and farm size.

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.

How much do farm assistants make?

Farm assistants typically earn between $12 and $15 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $31,000 depending on experience, location, and farm size. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What does a farm assistant do?

A farm assistant helps with daily farm operations such as planting, harvesting, feeding livestock, and maintaining equipment. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may need basic knowledge of farming tools and safety procedures.

What jobs will boom in 2026?

The farm assistant role is expected to grow as demand for sustainable agriculture and food production increases. Skills in crop management, machinery operation, and environmental practices will be valuable, with opportunities in organic farming and agricultural technology expanding over the next few years.

What are farm assistants?

Farm assistants are workers who help with the daily operations of a farm. Their duties typically include planting, watering, and harvesting crops, feeding and caring for livestock, maintaining equipment, and assisting with general farm maintenance. They may work under the supervision of a farm manager or owner and often perform both manual labor and basic administrative tasks. Farm assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that farm activities run smoothly and efficiently.
More about Farm Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Farm jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Farm Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Farm Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Farm Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Farm Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Farm Assistant job openings:
Farm Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,502 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Assistant Farm Manager

WFR

Decorah, IA

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Overview:

 This role will also involve management of a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean, sow farm.   This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to take their skillset and career to the next level and contribute to the growth and success of our company. 


Essential Job Responsibilities 

  • Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn operations 
  • Provide leadership for the farm staff, be a role model, delegate work assignments, and hold team accountable 
  • Ensure operational aspects of farm are taken care of appropriately including making sure equipment is functioning properly, feed systems and feed quality are monitored, and maintenance and repairs and completed.    
  • Assists Farm Manager to ensure financial success of farm-overseeing payroll, supplies, maintenance/repair budgets, and production reports 
  • Have excellent communication with all team members, WFR Swine Management Team, and WFR Staff. 
  • Participate in assigned training sessions and leadership meetings to support professional growth and contribute to organizational development 
  • Provide leadership and guidance to develop staff to their fullest potential through comprehensive training, effective onboarding, and clear delegation of responsibilities. 
  • Manage, coach, and mentor team members while promoting an inclusive, positive work environment.  
  • Foster collaboration by balancing individual and team priorities, placing the success of the team first, and supporting everyone's efforts to achieve organizational goals. 
  • Complete paperwork, record keeping, and farm ordering 
  • Ensure the highest standards of animal wellbeing by verifying that all animals receive proper feed, water, ventilation, and overall care. 
  • Shipping and receiving animals 
  • Treating animals 
  • Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination 
  • Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving  
  • Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start 
  • Moving animals with a sort board 
  • Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals 
  • Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots  
  • Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections 
  • Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia 
  • Pen management, culling, sorting 
  • Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator 
  • Testing via blood/saliva samples as needed  
  • Understand & follow WFR's biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility 
  • Understand & follow WFR's animal welfare policy 
  • Understand & follow WFR's handbook and procedures 
  • Work respectfully with a diverse team  
  • Maintain PQA+ certification  

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.  

Requirements

 Education and Experience

  • 1 year in the swine industry with proven leadership ability or actively fulfilling an MIT or leadership position in our system 

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership
  • Ethical
  • Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
  • Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
  • Strong prioritization and organizational skills
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. 
  • Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat & kneel
  • Capable to do repeated actions
  • Effectively communicate with team members 

Work Environment 

  • Schedule: Must work scheduled days and hours, will work weekends and extra hours as needed. Must work full time, a minimum of 80 hours each pay period.  
  • Environment: indoors and outdoors, dusty environments, hog farm. Nosie level is usually moderate to loud. 
  • Travel: Requirements are limited. May have to travel occasionally for meetings, supplies, etc.

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