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Farm Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator

Roanoke, IL ยท On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Poultry House Operator will assist with the daily care of laying hens to support the production of clean, high-quality SPF eggs. Responsibilities include monitoring ...

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator

Roanoke, IL ยท On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator Location: Secor, IL Industry: Pharmaceutical Schedule: Days 6:00am ... Communicate regularly with Farm Management * Maintain biosecurity and follow biosecurity ...

Join the Maplehurst Farms Team! Looking for a Career That Keeps You Moving? Do you enjoy working outdoors rather than sitting behind a desk? Do you like staying active, operating equipment, and ...

Scale Operator Seasonal

Rochelle, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Seasonal Scale Operators needed - Multiple Locations & shift available Looking for a rewarding ... Be part of a team that plays a vital role in helping local farmers and customers during one of the ...

Be Seen First

Job consists of operating an excavator and some other equipment, installing farm drainage, and performing labor in farm fields & trenches. Our business primarily works with farm drainage and water ...

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

Operator Terminal

East Saint Louis, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in ...

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

Operator Terminal

East Saint Louis, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL ยท On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be ... Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in ...

Operator Terminal

East Saint Louis, IL ยท On-site

$13.41 - $31.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL ยท On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL ยท On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be ... Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in ...

Operator Terminal

East Saint Louis, IL ยท On-site

$13.41 - $31.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

St Louis, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible ... Maintaining Tank farm inventories. * Moving trucks around yard. * Testing oil samples that come in ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be ... Tank Farm experience preferred (Not Required). Safety-Kleen , a Clean Harbors company, has a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Farm Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$20

$26

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm operator in Illinois is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Farm Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Farm Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Farm Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,703 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator

AVS Bio

Roanoke, IL โ€ข On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description


AVS Bio Poultry House Operator
Be part of the science behind biologics and vaccines used around the world ideal for entry-level, healthcare, or service-industry backgrounds!
Location: Washburn, IL (No Relocation Available)
Industry: Life Science
Salary: $22/hour
Schedule: Days 6AM 2:30PM (daily 30-minute lunch + 2 paid 15-minutes breaks)
Job Type: Direct Hire
Job Overview:
AVS Bio is a global leader in biologics with more than 60 years of innovation supporting the development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and breakthrough scientific research that protects human and animal health worldwide.
Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Poultry House Operator will assist with the daily care of laying hens to support the production of clean, high-quality SPF eggs. Responsibilities include monitoring feed, water, equipment, and house conditions; collecting and sanitizing eggs; maintaining sanitation and biosecurity standards; and observing flock health. This role also supports basic maintenance and ensures humane care of the birds in a farm environment. Fully paid training is provided, making this an excellent entry point for candidates from healthcare, service, animal care, or other hands-on backgrounds who are looking for stable, meaningful work with long-term growth potential in the life sciences industry.
Responsibilities:
  • Communicate regularly with Farm Management
  • Maintain biosecurity and follow biosecurity regulations.
  • Keep house and equipment clean and sanitary.
  • Collect and sanitize eggs to provide clean SPF eggs for sale.
  • Responsible for basic maintenance
  • Monitor flock for health issues and report concerns to Farm Management
  • Perform blood draws weekly.
  • Monitor and maintain feeders, waterers, medication dispensers, house temperatures, bird weights and condition.
  • Assist in training new hires.
  • Ensure the humane care of the birds during all phases of the life cycle.
  • Perform bird sales as requested.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
  • Employees must not own or have contact with live poultry or other birds of any breed, species or origin while employed in this position.
  • Exposure to chemicals, dust and odors
  • Work with live animals with risk of exposure to allergens and/or zoonotic disease(s).
  • House can be warm and humid
  • Noise level is usually moderate.
  • Must regularly move about inside the poultry house.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • Regularly provides information to and receives information from/through various technologies, media, sources, and contacts. Must be able to accurately exchange accurate information in these situations.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Valid driver s license with a good driving record.
  • Strong communication skills: verbal and written. Self-motivated, dependable, flexible, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Employees must not own or have contact with live poultry or other birds of any breed, species or origin while employed in this position.

Biosecurity FAQs:
  • What is included in the biosecurity requirement? Employees may not own or have contact with live birds of any kind, including backyard poultry, ducks, turkeys, wild, or exotic birds, or visit farms, fairs, or other locations with bird exposure.
  • What other animal contact is prohibited? Prohibited contact includes reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and certain wild animals (e.g., snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, deer mice), or animals requiring feeding of rodents or raw/frozen animal products.
  • What animal contact is permitted? Permitted animals include dogs, cats, fish, and traditional farm animals (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas/alpacas). Employees may not handle raw or frozen meat or poultry products before work.
  • How is biosecurity enforced? All candidates must complete a Biosecurity & Animal Ownership Disclosure Form prior to hire and certify ongoing compliance. Violations or falsification may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

Why Join Us:
  • Direct hire with long-term career stability
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Up to 3 weeks paid vacation
  • Up to 11.5 paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Benefits effective the 1st of the month after your start date
  • Consistent daytime schedule for work life balance
  • Entry point into the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry
  • Work that directly supports vaccines, diagnostics, and breakthrough therapies

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Meet Your Recruiter
Tracy Thomas