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Farm Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Nexus Cooperative

Agricultural Equipment Operator

IA · On-site

$18.65/hr

Duties may include driving/operating a tender truck, delivering agronomy products to the certified spray and spreader operators, operating equipment in the farmers field, or delivering agronomy and ...

Perdue Farms

Blending Operator

Earlville, IA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... The Blending Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment used to load ...

Perdue Farms

Blending Operator

Earlville, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... The Blending Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment used to load ...

Kemps

Filler Operator - Half Gallon

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.98/hr

Machine operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following ... DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative ...

Guida's Dairy

Filler Operator - Half Gallon

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.98/hr

Machine operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following ... DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFarm Operator JobsFarm Operator Jobs in Iowa

Farm Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm operator in Iowa is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $21.92 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,391 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Farm Machinery Specialist - Custom Manure Pumping

Gravel Run Custom Pumping LLC

Maquoketa, IA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Liquid Manure Application Lead & Equipment Operator

Location: East Central Iowa (Cedar Rapids DMA & Surrounding Counties)

Compensation: Competitive Hourly Base + Overtime (70+ hrs/week in-season) + Paid Commercial Applicator Licensing

Career Path: Direct Advancement Track to Line Manager within 2 Years

About Gravel Run Custom Pumping

Established in 2016, Gravel Run Custom Pumping is a growing custom manure application business serving hog, dairy, and beef producers throughout East Central Iowa. We specialize in high-efficiency dragline manure application services, prioritizing equipment safety, mechanical reliability, and exceptional producer relationships.

Position Summary

We are seeking dependable, mechanically inclined Agricultural Equipment Operators to safely operate, service, and maintain our dragline application systems, support vehicles, and fleet equipment. This role is ideal for self-motivated individuals who thrive in dynamic field environments, take pride in machinery maintenance, and seek a fast-track opportunity toward an agricultural leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Dragline Field Operations: Safely operate and monitor liquid manure dragline application equipment, tractors, and support vehicles across customer job sites.
  • Preventative Maintenance & Repair: Perform routine shop maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, and repairs on machinery, on-road trucks, and off-road fleet vehicles.
  • Seasonal Execution: Work extended hours (70+ hours/week during peak spring and fall application seasons, including weekends). Flexible scheduling is provided during the off-season.
  • Operational Leadership: Train toward becoming a Liquid Manure Application Lead, taking ownership of field efficiency, safety protocols, and client communications.
  • Process Improvement: Identify operational efficiencies to optimize dragline pumping setups, reduce downtime, and drive business growth.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • License & Certification: Valid Driver’s License required. Must obtain a Commercial Manure Applicator License within 30 days of start date (100% of training and licensing fees covered by Gravel Run).
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Practical experience maintaining, repairing, or operating farm machinery, heavy equipment, or commercial vehicles.
  • Work Ethic & Reliability: Strong personal integrity, consistent attendance, and the self-motivation required to manage changing field conditions.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Clear communication skills and a team-first mindset.

Growth Opportunities

Demonstrated reliability and leadership in this role offers a clear career pathway to Line Manager within 24 months.

Company Description

Gravel Run Custom Pumping was established in 2016. We are a family owned, custom manure application business that provides dragline manure application services to hog, dairy and beef producers in East Central Iowa.