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Farm Hand Summer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Farm Hand Summer information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do farm hand summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm hand summer in Indiana is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Farm Hand Summer, you need physical stamina, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to operate or learn to use farm machinery, often with no formal education required. Familiarity with tools like tractors, irrigation systems, and hand-held farming equipment is typically necessary. Dependability, strong work ethic, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this position. These skills ensure farm operations run smoothly and efficiently during the busy summer season, supporting crop production and livestock care.

What is the difference between Farm Hand Summer vs Farm Worker?

AspectFarm Hand SummerFarm Worker
CredentialsNone typically required; some experience preferredNone typically required; experience varies
Work EnvironmentSeasonal farm settings, outdoor workOutdoor farm environments, may be seasonal or year-round
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used for temporary summer roles in agricultureUsed broadly for agricultural labor, including seasonal and permanent roles

Farm Hand Summer and Farm Worker roles both involve outdoor agricultural work, often in similar environments. The main difference is that Farm Hand Summer typically refers to seasonal, temporary positions during summer months, while Farm Worker can include both seasonal and ongoing employment. Both roles generally do not require formal credentials but may prefer some experience. They are used interchangeably in many contexts, but 'Farm Hand Summer' emphasizes the seasonal aspect.

What is a farm hand summer?

Farm Hand Summer jobs are seasonal positions typically available on farms during the busy summer months. These jobs involve assisting with various agricultural tasks such as planting, watering, harvesting crops, feeding animals, and maintaining farm equipment. Farm hands often work outdoors and may be required to perform physical labor in different weather conditions. The role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in agriculture or outdoor work during their summer break.

What are some common challenges faced by farm hand summer workers, and how can they be managed?

Farm Hand Summer workers often encounter challenges such as working long hours in variable weather conditions, performing physically demanding tasks like planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock, and adapting to early morning start times. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and take regular breaks. Clear communication with supervisors and team members also helps ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely, making the work both manageable and rewarding.

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

The most popular types of Farm Hand jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Farm Hand Summer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Farm Hand Summer job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Hand Summer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,712 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Sugar Ridge FWA

State of Indiana

Winslow, IN • On-site

$13.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area:
The Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is composed of six areas, totaling approximately 8,500 acres. Much of the area was strip-mined and then donated to the state. It features about 100 pits and lakes, along with rows of overburden from the mining operation. The land that has not been mined is mostly rough and rolling. Most revenues are derived from hunting, fishing, and trapping license sales. Sugar Ridge also receives federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson program funds to aid fish and wildlife restoration.

Role Overview: 

Participate in all aspects of wildlife and habitat management on 8,500-acre Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area and 2500-acre Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area. Seasonal workers will gain experience in managed wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairies. Seasonal workers hired for this position will likely be heavily involved in water level manipulation, wetland management, prescribed burning, and woodland management. Seasonal employee will assist in trapping and banding of Doves and Wood Ducks on the wildlife area in the Summer.

Sugar Ridge FWA is currently hiring for a Wildlife Tech with housing available on-site and for a Range Safety Officer. 

TASKS INCLUDE: 

Wetland management, prescribed burning, tree removal with hand tools, operation of tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food crops, etc.), operation of skid loader with stump grinder and/or forestry cutter, timber stand improvement, litter removal, control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation, sign maintenance, welding, vehicle and equipment maintenance, lawn mowing, and weed eating.
QUALIFICATIONS: 

Completed or enrolled in wildlife, fisheries, or other natural resource-related course of study preferred but not required. Interest in, and knowledge of farming, construction, waterfowl, wetlands, and/or bottomland hardwood forests will be considered in candidate selection. You must be able to perform demanding tasks in a variety of outdoor conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license.

PAY RATE:

$13.50 for Wildlife Tech. $13.00 for Range Safety Officer. No benefits or paid holidays.

HOUSING:

On-site housing is available.

A Day in the Life:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers perform duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of property natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions include:

Resource Management Techs – Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.

Laborers – Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities. Laborers perform various duties based on property needs. Possible duties may include landscaping, mowing, firewood processing, structure maintenance, sign creation, trail upkeep, carpentry, and plumbing, based on property needs.

Clerks – Preform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff. Duties may include inventory, stocking, reporting, budgeting, and assisting with other administrative duties.

Office Assistants – Answer inquiries about the property and provide quality customer service to the park visitors. This position also assists property management with operations and administrative functions.

Nature Preserves Steward – Assists Regional Ecologists to implement habitat restoration and management plans for native plant and animal communities, including endangered, threatened, or rare species.  Duties may include physical or chemical removal of invasive plant species, natural area restoration, controlled/prescribed burns, trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement.

Biological Naturalist Aides – Assist District Biologists with future succession control, food plot plans, fish, wildlife, and vegetation surveys.  Duties may include data collection, species monitoring, mowing, planting, and managing habitats for wildlife.

Creel Clerk - interview anglers, collect biological information and tissues from various fish species, and enter data on relevant forms and/or systems.

Wildlife Science Tech – Assist Wildlife Science Biologists with research and management activities focused on a species or group of species. Duties may include developing and conducting surveys, building, and maintaining traps, equipment maintenance, coordinating volunteers, entering data, staffing check stations, and processing carcasses.

Wildlife/Hatchery Tech – Assist properties with wildlife management activities or Hatchery Biologists with fish production and stocking. Duties may include fish culture, fish stocking, facility and equipment maintenance, wildlife habitat management activities including prescribed fire, planting, mowing, disking, and tree cutting. This role may also assist with wildlife surveys and samples. 

Shooting Range Officers – Monitor the activities of visitors using the shooting range while providing quality customer service and education on safe gun handling. This role will enforce shooting range standard operating procedures and provide basic maintenance to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

What You'll Need for Success:
  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience.
  • Individuals may be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Individuals may be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform.
  • Individuals may be required to travel to different properties.
  • Individuals may be required to have a valid driver’s license.
  • Individuals may experience working with DOC work release crews.
  • Individuals may perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
  • Individuals may work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Some positions may require:
    • Completion of some college coursework in wildlife management, natural resources, biology, ecology, forestry and/or related areas of study is required.
    • Ability to understand and apply through on-the-job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principals, ecological variables and interactions, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant management techniques (of conservation biology, the management of forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats), and life histories of invasive plants.
    • Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50 lbs.
    • Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity.
    • Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision. 

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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