1

Farm Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

N8 Filler Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

New

Cooler Relief Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท On-site

$27.73/hr

DFA/Kemps Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ... OUR OPERATORS MAKE: * $27.73 per hour SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM BENEFITS: * 401(k) ...

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 ...

New

Blending Operator

Earlville, IA ยท 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 ...

Blow Mold Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

Blow Mold Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

Blow Mold Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

N8 Filler Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

New

Culture Filler Operator

Le Mars, IA ยท 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 ...

Wastewater Operator

Sioux Center, IA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family ... As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe ...

Wastewater Operator

Sioux Center, IA

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe ...

Wastewater Operator

Sioux Center, IA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe ...

Wastewater Operator

Sioux Center, IA

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe ...

We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they ... Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of ...

We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they ... Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of ...

We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they ... Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of ...

Equipment Operator

Carlisle, IA

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Familiarity with different types of heavy machinery including Caterpillar equipment, farm machinery ... Join us as an Equipment Operator where your expertise will contribute significantly to our ...

Equipment Operator

Carlisle, IA ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Familiarity with different types of heavy machinery including Caterpillar equipment, farm machinery ... Join us as an Equipment Operator where your expertise will contribute significantly to our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Farm Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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:
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.
N8 Filler Operator

N8 Filler Operator

Dairiconcepts, L.P.

Le Mars, IA โ€ข On-site

$26.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

DFA/Kemps has immediate job openings for well-versed machine operators to perform an array of functions including maintaining, breaking down and setting up equipment and machinery, while troubleshooting and resolving basic to moderate operating issues. Machine operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and communicating effectively with all departments and meeting daily deadlines.

DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners. At DFA/Kemps we are proud to provide families with fresh, delicious dairy.

By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!

OUR MACHINE OPERATORS MAKE:

  • $26.98 per hour

SCHEDULE: Mon- Fri. 1PM - 9:30 PM

  • 401(k) with company contribution*
  • Competitive pay
  • Paid vacation and holidays*
  • Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits
  • Service recognition and employee rewards*
  • Employee referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement*
  • Uniforms provided
  • Work for dairy farm families

Dairiconcepts logo

About Dairiconcepts

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DairiConcepts, based in Springfield, Missouri, US, is a leader in the food industry, particularly in the dairy sector. Officially hosted at dfaingredients.com, the company was established as a joint venture between Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Fonterra in 2000, later becoming wholly owned by DFA in 2016. Specializing in the production of elevated dairy ingredients and cheese and dairy flavors, DairiConcepts is known for supplying custom-developed products to food industry customers throughout the globe. In line with their mission, the company prides itself on innovation, customer focus, and professionalism, continually striving to ensure quality and safety while developing new and delicious dairy products for the market.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, MO, US