1

Farm Labor Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Farm Labor information

See Merced, CA salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do farm labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm labor in Merced, CA is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a farm laborer do?

A farm laborer is responsible for performing a variety of tasks essential to the operation of farms, ranches, and other agricultural establishments. These tasks often include planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, as well as caring for livestock, operating machinery, and maintaining farm equipment and facilities. Farm laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather and may be required to perform physically demanding work for long hours, especially during planting and harvest seasons. The role is vital to ensuring food production and supporting the agricultural industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a farm laborer?

To thrive as a Farm Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to operate or assist with farm machinery, often with no formal education required but sometimes needing specialized training. Familiarity with tools such as tractors, irrigation systems, and hand-held equipment is typically necessary. Reliability, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for handling diverse tasks and working in changing outdoor conditions. These skills ensure efficient crop production, safety, and smooth farm operations in a physically demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by farm laborers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Farm laborers often encounter challenges such as physically demanding work, long hours during peak seasons, and exposure to various weather conditions. Managing these challenges involves using proper safety equipment, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and following ergonomic best practices when handling tools or heavy loads. Many farms also promote teamwork and provide training to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely, creating a supportive environment where workers can voice concerns and seek assistance as needed.

What is the difference between Farm Labor vs Farm Hand?

AspectFarm LaborFarm Hand
Required CredentialsNone typically required; experience preferredNone typically required; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor fields, farms, orchardsOutdoor fields, farms, orchards
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in agricultural settings for seasonal or temporary workersOften used interchangeably with Farm Labor, referring to manual farm work

Farm Labor and Farm Hand roles are similar, both involving manual work in agricultural settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with minimal differences in credentials or work environment. Both positions focus on tasks like planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance, primarily outdoors on farms or orchards.

What are popular job titles related to Farm Labor jobs in Merced, CA?

For Farm Labor jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Farm Labor jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Labor jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Farm Labor jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Farm Labor job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Labor job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,513 per year, or $19 per hour.

Assistant Ranch Drive-On - Rolling Hills Complex (Snelling)

Foster Farms

Snelling, CA • On-site

$18.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description

About Foster Farms

At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best
and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our
success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment,
while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.
Essential Functions

Pay Rate: $18.25 per hour

(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am)

  • Contribute to, assist and relieve the Ranch Manager to oversee all ranch activities and functions of assigned fryer ranch activities and functions.
  • Assist manager to direct the grow out program of fryers through the setup of the ranch, brooding, temperatures, ventilation, mortality, vaccinations, medications, so that conditions are maintained to meet the highest possible level of quality and productivity.
  • Assist in maintaining the ranch facilities and equipment for optimal usage and good appearance: arranging with the maintenance department for needed materials and service calls. Follow, assist and enforce to maintain strict sanitation conditions and disease protection procedures, and being constantly aware of the bird's health. Report any abnormalities to the Manager or Field Supervisor. React responsibly to emergencies that could adversely affect the chickens, day or night.
  • Assist Ranch Manager to manage and control all ranch production costs, to include all labor, fuel, supply, utility, medication, and ranch maintenance costs.
  • Assist with maintaining accurate and complete records pertaining to all ranch activities, i.e., feed, mortality, fuel, production, and energy consumption.
  • Assist Ranch Manager to provide proper training and delegation of duties to all ranch personnel.
  • Adhere to and enforce company safety, animal welfare and disease prevention guidelines.
  • Maintain a high awareness of industrial safety and report any problem(s) directly to Field Supervisor.

Qualifications

  • Must have completed the Chicken Grow Out Training Program.
  • Preferably, will have poultry raising experience.
  • Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
  • Must possess supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Must have good mathematical and organizational skills.
  • Must have good written and verbal communication skills (Basic English).
  • Must be able to move and lift 50 pounds.
  • Preferably, will have a mechanical aptitude.
  • Must be willing and able to respond as necessary to alarms and adverse conditions affecting the chickens.
  • Must be able to work as scheduled/needed to include overtime, evenings, holidays and weekends.
  • Must be able to follow and enforce company standards, guidelines and policies on anyone working on his/her ranch complex.
  • Must have the ability to work at other ranches/complexes as needed.

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles

  • Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
  • Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
  • Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
  • Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
  • Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
  • Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.


Why Join Foster Farms?

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company,
directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality
food and great moments for millions of families.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Foster Farms employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom