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Farm Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LIMONEIRA

Farming Equipment Operator

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Farming Equipment Operator will perform maintenance and operate all farm equipment to spray ... Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using fasteners ...

AA2IT

Farm Technician

Esparto, CA · On-site

Operator Farm Esparto Operator Farm Esparto is responsible to execute the operational work related to the RD Farm with Open Field Crop growing and maintenance activities in an efficient and effective ...

AA2IT

Farm Technician

Esparto, CA

Operator Farm Esparto Operator Farm Esparto is responsible to execute the operational work related to the RD Farm with Open Field Crop growing and maintenance activities in an efficient and effective ...

Sakata Seed America, INC.

Farm Technician

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

The Farm Technician works within the farming team to improve the growing conditions of research and ... and operated correctly. Troubleshoot drip systems and independently determine repair needs if ...

Meadowood Napa Valley

Farm Crew Member

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Be comfortable operating farm tools, equipment, and machinery in a safe and responsible manner. Compensation: The starting hourly rate for this position is $20.00 - $21.00 per hour. * This is the ...

Kelly Services

Farmer

Woodland, CA

$25 - $38/hr

... farm equipment * Handling and operating machinery such as tractors and sprayers; performing welding and equipment repairs as needed * Collaborating with field scientists to support pesticide and ...

Hog Island Oyster Co

Farm Crew

Marshall, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Hog Island Farm Crew treats each other with respect, working hard in all conditions with a smile ... Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment ...

Hog Island Oyster Company Inc

Farm Crew

Marshall, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Hog Island Farm Crew Mission Statement: Hog Island Farm Crew treats each other with respect ... Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment ...

Hog Island Oyster Company Inc

Farm Crew

Marshall, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Hog Island Farm Crew treats each other with respect, working hard in all conditions with a smile ... Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment ...

Foster Farms

Production Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$19.91/hr

Description Pay Rate $19.91 per hour + $.50 shift premium 2nd shift At Foster Farms, our mission is ... We are hiring Production Operators to support our food manufacturing operations. This role involves ...

Foster Farms

Production Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$19.91/hr

Pay Rate $19.91 per hour + $.50 shift premium 2nd shift At Foster Farms, our mission is creating ... We are hiring Production Operators to support our food manufacturing operations. This role involves ...

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Farm Operator information

See California salary details

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$26

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm operator in California is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a farm operator do?

A Farm Operator is responsible for managing the daily operations of a farm, which may include planting, cultivating, harvesting crops, and raising livestock. They oversee the maintenance of equipment, management of farm workers, and ensure compliance with safety and agricultural regulations. Farm Operators also handle budgeting, marketing, and often make decisions on crop rotation, pest control, and resource management to maximize productivity and profitability.

What are some common challenges faced by farm operators when managing both crops and livestock, and how can they be addressed?

Farm Operators who manage both crops and livestock often face the challenge of balancing time and resources between these two demanding areas. Seasonal workloads can fluctuate significantly, requiring careful planning to ensure that planting, harvesting, and animal care are all properly attended to. Additionally, biosecurity and disease management become more complex when livestock and crops coexist. Effective communication with team members, the use of farm management software, and ongoing training in best practices can help address these challenges and improve overall efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Farm Operator, you need a solid understanding of agricultural practices, crop and livestock management, and basic business principles, often supported by experience or an agriculture-related degree. Familiarity with farm machinery, irrigation systems, and agricultural software is typically required, and certifications in pesticide application or equipment operation can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, organization, and leadership skills set outstanding farm operators apart, especially when managing teams and adapting to changing conditions. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure efficient farm operations, maximize productivity, and maintain sustainability in a dynamic agricultural environment.

What is the difference between Farm Operator vs Farmhand?

AspectFarm OperatorFarmhand
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma, farm equipment certificationsTypically high school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOperate machinery, manage farm activitiesAssist with daily farm tasks, manual labor
Employer & Industry UsageFarm operators are responsible for overall farm managementFarmhands support farm operations under supervision

Farm Operators oversee farm activities and machinery, often managing staff and resources, while Farmhands perform manual labor and assist with daily tasks. Both roles are essential in farm operations, but Farm Operators have more responsibility and may require specific certifications.

How to become a farm operator?

To become a farm operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in farming or agriculture. Gaining skills in equipment operation, crop management, and animal care is important, and some may pursue postsecondary education or certifications in agriculture to enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Farm Operator jobs in California?

For Farm Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Farm Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Farm Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Farm Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Farm Operator jobs in CA?

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

Farm Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,491 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Farming Equipment Operator

LIMONEIRA

Santa Paula, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain farm equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and implements to perform agricultural tasks including planting, fertilizing, dusting, and spraying crops.

  • Perform daily inspections, basic maintenance, and repairs on agricultural machinery to ensure safety and proper functioning.

  • Apply pesticides, fertilizers, and beneficial insects using appropriate equipment while following safety and food safety rules.

Job description

SUMMARY:
The Farming Equipment Operator will perform maintenance and operate all farm equipment to spray pesticides, mow/disk weeds, shred brush, and perform any farm equipment-related jobs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Limoneira's job descriptions describe the key areas of responsibility, but do not attempt to describe all activities or areas of responsibility. In most cases, the description covers approximately 80% of an individual's daily, weekly, or monthly job duties
  • Daily vehicle and equipment inspection to ensure safety and proper usage
  • Complete agricultural practices as instructed
  • Complete basic maintenance and repair on agricultural machinery
  • Safe and proper use of pesticides
  • Operate and/or maintain equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, pruning equipment, spraying equipment, combines and construction equipment, also including UTV's and ATV's
  • Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery
  • Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions, report equipment malfunctions.
  • Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using fasteners and tools
  • Operate tractor attached implements to plant, fertilize, dust, and spray crops
  • Mix specified materials or chemicals and spray fields
  • Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, weeds, fungus and diseases, using all sprayers
  • To spray and/or spread beneficial insects
  • To use any type of implement in a safe and efficient way
  • Comply with all Safety and Food Safety rules
  • Other job duties as assigned by Supervisor or Management

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must have experience safely operating all types of tractors used in farming; must have a California Driver's License and be certified as a Tractor driver
  • SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must be able to use any cultural implements that are attached to the tractors; must know the proper way to disk, mow, shred, and harrow a grove; must be able to operate a high-speed sprayer; must be attentive to the sounds of a proper operating tractor and be alert for anything that might signal a problem with the equipment; fluency in English and Spanish to communicate with supervisor and coworkers
  • PERSONAL TRAITS:

Must be able to follow directions from a supervisor; must be able to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; must maintain a good attendance and punctuality record; must be able to accept constructive criticism
  • REASONING ABILITY:

Must be able to apply common sense understanding to fulfill written, oral or visual instructions
  • TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

Must know the proper personal protective equipment to wear when applying pesticides
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will need to be able to sit and stand for long periods. In addition, you will need to be able to stretch, stoop, bend, and walk for long periods. The employee must be able to reach outward and above shoulders with both arms, must have dexterity in the feet, hands, and fingers. You must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and you will need to talk and hear, and must have normal or corrected 20/40 eyesight.
Limoneira Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or protected veteran status.
All applicants will be considered regardless of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, protected veteran status, disability, or marital status.

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