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Farm Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Pure Flavor

Box Machine Operator US

Romulus, MI · On-site

Box Machine Operator US Pure Hothouse Foods, marketed under the Pure Flavor ® brand, is a family ... farms that are strategically located throughout North America. With a dedicated, energetic and ...

Neogen Corporation

Machine Operator I

Lansing, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Operates machinery used in the food safety industry according to Standard Operating Procedures ... From farm to fork, we offer solutions to enhance the quality, quantity and safety of the global ...

Neogen

Machine Operator I

Lansing, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Operates machinery used in the food safety industry according to Standard Operating Procedures ... From farm to fork, we offer solutions to enhance the quality, quantity and safety of the global ...

Kalsec, Inc.

Field Maintenance & Compost Operator

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

The Field Maintenance & Compost Operator supports daily compost and field maintenance operations to ... Haul finished compost to local area farms. * Assure compost pad and road are well maintained with ...

BASF

Chemical Plant Operator I

Wyandotte, MI · On-site

Now hiring! Chemical Plant Operator - Wyandotte The scope of activities for our Chemical Plant ... farm management to control room operations, such as recipe management, process control, and ...

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All JobsFarm Operator JobsFarm Operator Jobs in Michigan

Farm Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm operator in Michigan is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.34 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 Michigan? For Farm Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Farm Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Farm Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Farm Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Farm Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Operator jobs in MI? For Farm Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Farm Operator jobs near you

Seasonal Yard Forklift Driver 2nd Shift

OPC Arbre Farms

Walkerville, MI • On-site

$13.78/hr

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a Seasonal Position June-Dec.
Job Title: Yard Forklift Operator 2nd Shift
Reports To: Yard Supervisor
FLSA Status: Hourly $13.78
OPC is family owned and headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States. We started over 40 years ago as a small family farm and have been blessed to grow significantly with our farm fresh quality and the care we show our customers. We currently own, or control through long-term leases, over 140,000 irrigatedacres.We also now have a network of processing plants throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Michigan to bring the bounty of our farms to you.
The roots of our heritage offer us complete focus; from farming through the entire process. We are committed to innovation, quality and customer service. The OPC Family of companies is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices throughout our farming operation, giving us the ability to give our customers "Seed to Fork" varieties of quality potato products, other vegetables and fruits.
Position Purpose Summary: Yard Forklift Operator is responsible for Unloading incoming loads of raw products into designated storage space. Work with scalehouse to ensure proper products are stored and loaded. Loading raw products into outdoor hoppers and conveyor belts. Dump product waste totes and wash totes for reuse. Move loaded/unloaded trailers onto and off the hydraulic platform. Operate forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, sky track loaders, and switcher trucks. All drivers must have a company issued forklift license in their possession at all times, and are responsible to maintain a clean, safe, and organized area. Applicable department/area of responsibility training to be completed and maintained. Workers are tasked with filling out daily records completely, correctly and legibly. Drivers must report and all accidents, including near miss accidents immediately to the supervisor.
Principal Job Responsibilities:
  • Serve the needs of customers and all stakeholders
  • Adhere to all Food Safety and GMP Policies
  • Unload incoming loads of raw products onto designated storage space
  • Load raw products into the outdoor hoppers and conveyor
  • Work with scale house to ensure proper products are stored and loaded
  • Switch trailers (using a yard hostler / switcher truck) to ensure raw product availability

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Broad knowledge and experience in forklift/loader/switcher operations
  • Above average skills in attendance
  • Excellent skills in safety
  • General knowledge of yard operations

Education and Experience:
  • Years of experience: 2 months or more
  • Specialized training in forklift operations and safety; forklift license
  • Other: ability to push piles of product with loader/hooking trailers to switcher truck

Physical Demands of the Position:
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to Sit,stand,use hands and fingers, bend, walk, push/pull

Work Environment:
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to variable tempatures of both heat and cold; exposure to wet and snow.

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