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Farm Manager Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Farm Manager information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$32.7K

$62.5K

$128.2K

How much do farm manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for farm manager in Modesto, CA is $62,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a farm manager do?

A Farm Manager oversees the daily operations of a farm, ensuring that crops or livestock are produced efficiently and profitably. Their responsibilities include planning planting and harvesting schedules, managing staff, maintaining equipment, and monitoring budgets. They also ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, as well as implementing new technologies or methods to improve productivity. Successful Farm Managers must have strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Farm Manager, you need expertise in agricultural science, crop or livestock management, and business operations, often supported by a degree in agriculture or related experience. Familiarity with farm management software, machinery operation, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help in managing teams and adapting to changing conditions. These skills ensure efficient farm operations, maximize productivity, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

How does a farm manager typically balance hands-on fieldwork with administrative responsibilities?

Farm Managers often juggle both practical and managerial duties. In a typical week, you may spend mornings supervising planting or harvesting activities alongside workers, while afternoons are dedicated to planning crop rotations, managing budgets, and coordinating with suppliers. Effective time management and delegation are crucial, as the role requires you to stay informed about both the operational and business sides of the farm. Balancing these responsibilities ensures smooth operations and supports long-term farm profitability.

What is the difference between Farm Manager vs Agricultural Technician?

AspectFarm ManagerAgricultural Technician
CredentialsExperience in farming, possibly a degree in agriculture or related fieldDegree or certification in agriculture, agronomy, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees farm operations, manages staff, and plans crop/livestock activitiesConducts field inspections, experiments, and assists with crop or soil analysis
Employer & Industry UsageFarms, agricultural companies, cooperativesResearch institutions, government agencies, agricultural service providers

While both roles involve agriculture, a Farm Manager oversees overall farm operations and staff, focusing on management and planning. An Agricultural Technician supports fieldwork, conducts research, and assists with technical tasks. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I become a farm manager?

To become a farm manager, individuals typically gain experience through working on farms or in agricultural roles, often starting as farm workers or assistants. Earning relevant education such as a degree in agriculture, farm management, or a related field can be beneficial, along with developing skills in crop and livestock management, equipment operation, and business planning. Certifications in areas like pesticide application or safety may also enhance qualifications.

How much do farm managers make in the US?

Farm managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $45,000 to over $110,000 depending on experience, farm size, and location. Those managing large operations or with specialized skills can earn higher wages, and certifications in agricultural management can enhance earning potential.

Is farm management a stressful job?

Farm management can be stressful due to factors such as weather variability, financial pressures, and the physical demands of overseeing daily operations. Managers often work long hours, especially during planting and harvest seasons, and must handle equipment, labor, and crop or livestock health. Effective planning, problem-solving skills, and resilience are important for managing stress in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm jobs in Modesto, CA?

The most popular types of Farm jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Farm Manager jobs in Modesto, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Manager jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Farm Manager jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Farm Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Manager job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,547 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Contract to Hire Farm Foreman

Gold Leaf Farming

Oakdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Background/Culture
Gold Leaf is a farming company whose core focus is to build farms, family, and a future we're proud of. We own and operate ~12,000 acres of almonds, pistachios, and dates in California and Arizona, making us a top ~15 grower of these crops globally. Our growth has been enabled by ~$300M of investment from our partners and our 60-person team that operates the farms every day.
Our North Star is to leave the world better than we found it. We have a significant opportunity to do well by doing good - we invest in our team, so that we can invest in differentiated, sustainable farming, so that we can drive financial results. Our farm workers have a $23 starting wage in California, fully paid healthcare, retirement, and parental leave. Our farms use technology and incorporate research-based strategies to maximize production and profitability while minimizing the use of precious natural resources.
Over time, we'll continue to grow our farms under management, acreage, and team. We hold traditional farming values in high regard: taking pride in quality operations, buying and holding prime farms with a long-term view (everything we buy we'd be happy to own forever), and staying grounded in our values: being candid, putting family first, acting like owners and leading by example. Learn more about Gold Leaf Farming at https://www.goldleaf.ag/
Role Overview
The Farm Foreman champions a strong safety culture on the farm while maintaining accurate, up-to-date records across all our tech tools. This role supports daily and weekly planning, coordinates the execution of on farm tasks, tracks equipment utilization and contracted work, and keeps facilities and tools clean, organized, and well-maintained. Above all, the Foreman anticipates operational needs and leads with an ownership mindset focused on profitability and the proper care of company assets.
Responsibilities
Team Safety (Absolute Priority)
  • Our first priority is to ensure that all team members are safe at all times. The Farm Foreman is expected to actively promote a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with safety protocols, verify proper use of PPE, and maintain up-to-date safety training records.

Records and Data Management
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date operational and safety records in core tech tools including Compass, Google Sheets/Forms, Intelliculture, and through physical records.

Planning and Coordination
  • Support daily and weekly planning based on manager-defined activities
  • Prepare and organize required information before tasks are executed
  • Stay ahead of key tasks and deadlines

Accountability and Follow-Up
  • Track and follow up on equipment rentals and contracted work
  • Analyze executed tasks and operational performance
  • Identify and report delays, inconsistencies, or issues

Organization and Order
  • Keep the farm clean and well organized
  • Maintain facilities clean, safe, and comfortable
  • Ensure tools are inventoried, properly assigned, stored correctly, and kept in good condition

Proactive Operational Support
  • Remain attentive to field and operational needs
  • Anticipate and communicate supply shortages, maintenance needs, operational risks, and upcoming deadlines

Ownership Mindset and Profitability Focus
  • Our ultimate goal is to achieve profitability. This includes the proper care of all company assets. We must always remember that we lead by example and act with an ownership mindset - because we are owners in the way we think, act, and lead.

Suggested Skills & Experience
  • Ability to plan and prioritize daily/weekly tasks based on manager direction
  • Problem-solving skills to identify and escalate delays, inconsistencies, or operational issues
  • Basic math skills for tracking diesel consumption, chemical inventory, and supply levels
  • Familiarity with agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, and general farm maintenance
  • Leadership and team supervision experience, with the ability to model safety culture and accountability
  • Basic computer/tablet literacy for data entry
  • Ability to read, write, and maintain accurate records in English (and/or Spanish, as applicable) sufficient to complete daily activity logs, safety and chemical inventory documentation, and field monitoring records
  • Working knowledge of PPE requirements and safe equipment operation

The Ideal Cultural Fit
Gold Leaf was founded with specific values in mind. We believe values should not just be written down, they should be lived every day. The ideal cultural fit is someone who:
  • Acts Like an Owner: Think and act as if you own the farms, because you do. We grant equity to every team member. We share responsibility when things go wrong and share credit when we get big wins.
  • Is Candid: Be real-open, honest and transparent. We build trust and push each other to be better through candid dialogue. We are 100% open with each other, our partners, our vendors, and our neighbors and community. We give candid feedback to drive constant improvement.
  • Puts Family First: Our team and their families are all part of the Gold Leaf family, and we value their commitment to Gold Leaf. We create a differentiated employment experience in Ag. We treat each other with compassion and respect, compensate fairly, and build an environment where great people want to work.
  • Leads by Example: We are the change we want to see in the world. We want to farm forever, so we take care of our people, the Earth, and the communities we live and work in-setting a positive example for our neighbors and the industry.

Compensation
This is a contract to hire role with a target hourly rate of $23-24/hour. Upon full time hire as a Gold Leaf employee, additional compensation includes company equity, performance-related bonus, and employer sponsored benefits package. Individual compensation may vary based on additional factors including job-related experience, skills, and/or relevant education or training.
The pay range for this role is:
23 - 24 USD per hour (Hickman, CA)