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Farm Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Farm Technician

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Help track, determine and perform fertilizer applications in the field and greenhouses. * Work with and direct the work of contract labor crews * Perform preventative maintenance of farm equipment as ...

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Farm Helper information

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How much do farm helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm helper in California is $14.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.47 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily tasks and challenges for a farm helper?

As a Farm Helper, your daily responsibilities often involve assisting with planting, watering, harvesting crops, feeding and caring for livestock, and maintaining farm equipment. You may also be responsible for cleaning animal enclosures, repairing fences, and helping with the packaging and transportation of produce. The work can be physically demanding, often requiring long hours outdoors in varying weather conditions. Adapting to seasonal changes and learning to operate different types of machinery are common challenges, but this hands-on experience offers valuable skills and opportunities for advancement in agricultural careers.

What is a farm helper?

Farm Helpers are workers who assist with various tasks on a farm, such as planting, harvesting, feeding animals, maintaining equipment, and cleaning barns or fields. They typically work under the supervision of farmers or farm managers and help ensure that daily agricultural operations run smoothly. Farm Helpers can work on crop farms, livestock farms, or mixed-use farms, and their duties may vary depending on the season and type of farm. This role is essential for supporting the productivity and upkeep of agricultural operations.

What is the difference between Farm Helper vs Farm Worker?

AspectFarm HelperFarm Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic certifications
Work EnvironmentRural farms, outdoor fields, greenhousesRural farms, outdoor fields, greenhouses
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in small to medium farms for assisting with various tasksWidely used across farms for planting, harvesting, and general labor

Both Farm Helper and Farm Worker roles involve outdoor farm environments and similar basic skills. However, Farm Helper often refers to entry-level positions assisting with a variety of farm tasks, while Farm Worker may imply more direct involvement in specific farming activities. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but Farm Helper typically emphasizes assisting roles with minimal certifications required.

What does a farm helper do?

A farm helper, or farmhand, performs manual labor and provides support to other agricultural workers on a farm. You can also find employment on a ranch. As a farm helper, your duties vary depending on the needs of your employer. Most farm helpers have different responsibilities depending on the season. During planting season, you help prepare the soil for planting, and you help collect fully-grown crops during harvest season. If you work with livestock, you often handle feeding or cleaning tasks. Some farm helpers perform maintenance tasks around the property or process crops for shipment or storage.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a farm helper?

To thrive as a Farm Helper, you need basic agricultural knowledge, physical stamina, and a willingness to perform manual labor, often without formal education requirements. Familiarity with farm machinery, tools, and sometimes safety certifications or pesticide handling permits are typically utilized. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication are valuable soft skills for working efficiently and safely in a team environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure productivity, safety, and smooth farm operations.
More about Farm Helper jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in California? The most popular types of Farm jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Helper jobs in California? For Farm Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Farm Helper jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Farm Helper jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Farm Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Farm Helper job openings:
Farm Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,030 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Farm Technician

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Woodland, CA • On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:


The Farm Technician works within the farming team to improve the growing conditions of research and production crops. Responsible for supporting daily farming operations and assisting with all farm activities including ground prep, planting, irrigation and pesticide applications; managing equipment and working closely with the labor crew to keep operations running efficiently on the Station.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

  • Responsible for assisting the farming of crops and greenhouses. Assists the Farm Manager with the day-to-day operation of the farm.


  • Responsible for recording seasonal data relating to crop maps, fertilizer, irrigation, and overall growing season performance for each crop.


  • Responsible for irrigation management including ensuring that the irrigation systems are maintained and operated correctly. Troubleshoot drip systems and independently determine repair needs if necessary.


  • Responsible for pesticide applications (spraying, chemigation or hand applications) and overall upkeep of crops on the station. Spray rig calibration and mixing, loading required in addition to maintaining complete spray records, documentation and posting requirements, as required by law.


  • Help track, determine and perform fertilizer applications in the field and greenhouses.


  • Work with and direct the work of contract labor crews


  • Perform preventative maintenance of farm equipment as needed.


  • Assist where needed in harvesting, deseeding and post-harvest activities


  • Other duties as assigned



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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • 5+ years Farm Equipment operation – tractor, sprayers, disc, mulcher, etc.
  • Irrigation Management
  • Pesticide Application
  • Must have general knowledge of farm operations and farm management principles.
  • English speaking
  • Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
  • Excellent record keeping skills

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

  • Practical hands-on farming experience is necessary.
  • Must have and maintain a current pesticide applicator's license (PAC), or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Vegetable and Flower Crops
  • Small Plot work
  • Greenhouse experience
  • Harvest equipment operation
  • Bi-lingual English/Spanish ability is highly desirable but not required.
  • Computer experience with Microsoft Office software desired.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:


  • High School Diploma, B.S. in agriculture or related subject, or equivalent knowledge and experience as determined by Sakata



EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:


  • Practical hands-on farming experience is necessary.


  • Must have and maintain a current pesticide applicator's license (PAC), or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire


WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.


  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when required.


  • Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature, dampness, rain and sun exposure.


  • Must be able to work in dusty conditions.


  • Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.


  • Must be able to work long and irregular hours.



BENEFITS:


Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)

Financial Benefits
401(k) Program + Company Match
Profit Sharing Program via 401(k)

Holiday Bonus

Performance Incentive Bonus Program
Tuition Reimbursement

529 College‑Savings Plan
Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance

Time Off & Flexibility
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
14 Paid Company Holidays
2 Floating Holidays


*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.