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Farm Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ForceSource

Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

... tankers, and farm machinery to perform tasks such as excavation, material handling, grading ... RequirementsProven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders (front ...

ForceSource

Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

... tankers, and farm machinery to perform tasks such as excavation, material handling, grading ... Requirements * Proven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders ...

Fremont Farms of Iowa

Feed Mill Operator

Malcom, IA · On-site

Coordinate, plan and execute finished feed production runs for the layer and pullet farms ... Mill Operator/Industrial Maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience ...

Fremont Farms of Iowa

Feed Mill Operator

Malcom, IA · On-site

Coordinate, plan and execute finished feed production runs for the layer and pullet farms ... Mill Operator/Industrial Maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience ...

Kemps

3rd Shift - Cheese Operator

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.98/hr

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good ... Other duties may be assigned as required DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of ...

Guida's Dairy

2nd Shift - Cheese Operator

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.98/hr

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good ... Other duties may be assigned as required DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of ...

Guida's Dairy

3rd Shift - Cheese Operator

Le Mars, IA

$26.98/hr

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good ... Other duties may be assigned as required DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of ...

Kemps

3rd Shift - Cheese Operator

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$26.98/hr

Cheese Operators will be responsible for processing finished or raw materials, while following Good ... Other duties may be assigned as required DFA/Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of ...

Fremont Farms of Iowa

Feed Mill Operator

Malcom, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Coordinate, plan and execute finished feed production runs for the layer and pullet farms ... Mill Operator/Industrial Maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience ...

Fremont Farms of Iowa

Feed Mill Operator

Malcom, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Coordinate, plan and execute finished feed production runs for the layer and pullet farms ... Mill Operator/Industrial Maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience ...

Perdue Farms

Rendering Operator A

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... That's Perdue. SUMMARY: Rendering Operator will be primarily responsible for the Production ...

Perdue Farms

Rendering Operator A

Sioux Center, IA

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... That's Perdue. SUMMARY: Rendering Operator will be primarily responsible for the Production ...

Perdue Farms

Rendering Operator A

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms , a fourth-generation, family ... That's Perdue. SUMMARY: Rendering Operator will be primarily responsible for the Production ...

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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 6, 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.

Equipment Operator

ForceSource

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job OverviewWe are seeking a motivated and experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our dynamic construction team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a variety of construction machinery with precision and safety, ensuring the efficient progress of construction projects. Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and trucks will be vital to maintaining project timelines and safety standards. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on diverse projects that challenge your skills and expand your experience in the construction industry.DutiesOperate heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid, backhoes, dozers, water trucks, dump trucks, roll-off trucks, tankers, and farm machinery to perform tasks such as excavation, material handling, grading, lifting, and site preparation.Conduct routine inspections and maintenance on construction equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.Follow all equipment safety procedures and occupational safety regulations to maintain a safe work environment for yourself and team members.Handle materials efficiently using appropriate material handling equipment while adhering to safety standards.Assist with site setup and cleanup activities by utilizing hand tools and other small equipment as needed.Collaborate closely with project managers and other team members to execute tasks accurately and on schedule.Maintain detailed records of equipment usage, maintenance activities, and safety checks in accordance with company policies.RequirementsProven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders (front loader trucks), dozers, backhoes, cranes (including crane operation), water trucks, dump trucks, roll-off trucks, tankers, and farm machinery.Construction site experience with a strong understanding of construction processes and safety protocols.Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with experience in commercial truck driving; ability to operate various types of trucks including front loader trucks and tankers.Mechanical knowledge of construction machinery maintenance and hydraulics systems to perform basic repairs or troubleshooting when necessary.Familiarity with hand tools and small equipment used on construction sites.Knowledge of occupational safety regulations related to heavy equipment operation and construction site safety procedures.Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining focus on safety and efficiency.Strong communication skills for coordinating with team members and adhering to project timelines.Join our team if you're passionate about building infrastructure with precision and safety! We value energetic professionals eager to contribute their skills in a fast-paced environment while advancing their careers in heavy equipment operation within the construction industry.