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Farm Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Guida's Dairy

Filler Operator - Gallon II

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 ...

Kemps

Filler Operator - Gallon II

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

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 ...

Kemps

Filler Operator - Gallon II

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 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 Aug 15, 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 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.

Blending Operator

Perdue Farms

Earlville, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
Play a hands-on role in delivering high quality blended protein products. The Blending Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment used to load, unload, and blend products while maintaining a clean, organized, and well-functioning production environment. This role supports daily production operations by ensuring materials are handled properly, equipment is maintained, and quality and safety standards are consistently met. The Blending Operator is a key contributor to smooth operations and reliable product output across the facility.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Operate blending production equipment.
  • Operate the panel control system.
  • Operate powered industrial mobile equipment and perform routine inspections and maintenance.
  • Operate all transfer and loadout equipment.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance as required.
  • Assist maintenance associates as directed during equipment repairs.
  • Perform clean-up and house cleaning as directed within assigned areas.
  • Perform all work within the safety guidelines established by local, state, and federal agencies as well as company policies.

Minimum Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • 0 to 3 years of related experience
  • Ability to load and unload materials up to 100 pounds

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
  • Able to move freely throughout the facility to include climbing vertical heights (0 - 180'), carrying tools and equipment (0-100 pounds), exposure to extreme temperatures (0-100 Degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, (0 - 100%), noise (50db to 100db-hearing protection required), and chemicals (MSDS sheets available).
  • Must be able to wear protective equipment to include self-contained breathing apparatus.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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