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Farm Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dairiconcepts, L.P.

Forklift Operator

Le Mars, IA

$26.90/hr

DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ... OUR FORKLIFT OPERATORS MAKE: * $26.90per hour SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM with Saturday ...

Guida's Dairy

Forklift Operator

Le Mars, IA

$26.90/hr

DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ... OUR FORKLIFT OPERATORS MAKE: * $26.90per hour SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM with Saturday ...

Kemps

Forklift Operator

Le Mars, IA

$26.90/hr

DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ... OUR FORKLIFT OPERATORS MAKE: * $26.90per hour SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM with Saturday ...

DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA

Blow Mold Operator

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 ...

Kemps LLC

Forklift Operator

Le Mars, IA

$26.90/hr

Forklift Operator Our DFA/Kemps Dairy has an immediate job opening for fast paced and motivated ... DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ...

Kemps

Forklift Operator

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.90/hr

DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ... OUR FORKLIFT OPERATORS MAKE: * $26.90 per hour SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM with ...

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

$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

Vacation Relief Operator - Production

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$27.48/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 ...

Kemps

Blow Mold Operator

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

Blow Mold Operator

Le Mars, IA

$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 1-20

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 Jun 11, 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 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 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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Farm Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Farm Operator job openings:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,391 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
FARM MANAGER| MARCO SOW FARM| SAINT ANTHONY, IA

FARM MANAGER| MARCO SOW FARM| SAINT ANTHONY, IA

JBS USA

Saint Anthony, IA

$54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description

JBS is seeking a salaried Farm Manager to join our team! Position starts at $54,000+, DOE, per year. 
Purpose & Scope:  The Sow Farm Manager is responsible for ensuring the carrying out of daily responsibilities in the caring for the welfare of the animals, including feed, water, and management. The Sow Farm Manager directly manages the team of farm employees and ensures they are working effectively and efficiently. This position will coordinate employees into highly effective team members to produce high quality animals in the most productive manner.            
                                           
Principle Responsibilities:   
  • Ensures animals are being cared for daily, including water, feed and management
  • Builds, leads, and trains successful team members to carry out assigned tasks
  • Complies with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS)
  • Assists in controlling costs associated with feed, supplies, and labor
  • Sets long and short term targets and goals for breeding and farrowing success
  • Maintains accurate number integrity for record keeping
  • Coordinates and oversees completion of special projects
  • Makes recommendations for operational improvements
  • Conducts safety training meetings and ensures employees are working safely
  • Performs general maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds and equipment
  • Maintains open line of communication with all team members including upper management
  • Complies with the practices and principals of biosecurity to safeguard the life and health of the animals
  • Ensures welfare of animals
  • Assists with other duties as assigned
 
Travel: Local travel – often 30 mile radius
 
 
Required Qualifications:
•    Strong communication and listening skills
•    B.S degree in Animal Science or equivalent
 AND
3-5 years related experience in swine production
AND
Minimum of 1 year people management experience
 
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions independently
  • Ability to effectively lead a team
  • Be a team oriented, self-motivated and positive individual with strong work ethics
  • Valid non-expired Driver’s License  
  • Ability to efficiently multi-task in a fast-paced environment 
  • Familiarity with common swine diseases and medications is preferred. 

Preferred Qualifications:  Bilingual - Spanish
 
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits: 
  • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment; 
  • Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays; 
  • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule; 
This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled. 
The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. 
About us: JBS USA is a leading global provider of diversified, high-quality food products, including a portfolio of well-recognized brands and innovative, easy-to-use food solutions. We process, prepare, package and deliver fresh and value-added premium meat, poultry and retail-ready food products for customers in approximately 100 countries on six continents. We are also the majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s, the largest poultry company in North America. JBS USA employs more than 100,000 team members, and our corporate office is located in beautiful Greeley, Colorado, where our 1,200 team members onsite enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year. 
  
Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members. 
  
Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity 
 
EOE, including disability/vets

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