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Farm Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Process Operator

Weston, MI

$17 - $21.50/hr

... farm/agriculturalexperience preferred. * Forklift experience preferred. * Be in good general health ... Able to communicate and understand operating information. The Evonik Group adopts an Equal ...

Showing results 41-60

Farm Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Farm Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,409 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

2nd Shift Filter Press Operator (requires Forklift)

SENECA FOODS

Hart, MI

$21.83/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Seneca Foods rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Seneca Foods is one of North America's leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables with facilities located throughout the United States.  Our high quality products are primarily sourced from over 1,400 American farms. Seneca holds the largest share of the retail private label, food service, and export canned vegetable markets, distributing to over 90 countries. Products are also sold under the brands of Libby's, Aunt Nellie's, READ, Seneca Farms, Green Valley, Green Giant (Shelf-Stable), CherryMan, Paradise, Pennant, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips. Seneca also provides vegetable products to other companies under various co-pack arrangements.

Seneca Foods offers an excellent benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401K, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off and more!  Help us make our Farm Fresh Goodness Great!  Come join the Seneca Foods team - Apply now!

Now Hiring: 2nd  Shift Filter Press Operator/Processing

Location: Hart, Michigan

Department: Processing

Position Type: Full-Time (Temporary position, could last 1/2-1yrs (then ability to move into other positions))

Hours: 2pm-10:30pm Monday-Friday, occasional overtime as needed

Pay:  Filter Press Operator $21.83

Feeding Families Starts with People Like You

At Seneca Foods, we do more than grow crops - we nourish families and strengthen communities with safe, nutritious, and affordable food.  Our mission is simple but powerful: "To feed the world safe, nutritious, and affordable food. " We do it with a deep commitment to quality, people, and sustainability.

We're looking for a hands-on, detail oriented, and safety minded individual to join our team as a Filter Press Operator.  If you enjoy working in a fast paced environment and being part of a company that makes a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Why Choose Seneca Foods?

  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.
  • Opportunities for growth in a stable, essential industry.
  • A company culture that values teamwork, respect, and responsibility.

What You'll Be Doing

Operate, disassemble and clean filter press

Measure and add chemicals

Wear required safety equipment

Operate APV - including start-up, shut-down, and cleaning

Perform checks as needed to monitor syrup brix/PH

Operate flow meters

Conduct checks, make adjustments, fill out appropriate paperwork

Perform duties required of a Processing Employee

Provide back-up to Glace Tank Room Operators

Operate pumps

Notify supervisors and other personnel of production problems and assist in identifying and correcting these problems

Plant clean-up

What You Bring to the Table

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years of forklift experience preferred (Food Processing a plus).
  • Basic math and clear communication skills.

The Work Environment

Filter Press Operators work in indoor and outdoor environments.  Exposure to wet/humid conditions and extreme heat/cold. Some high noise levels and moving mechanical parts.  Exposure to fumes and nuisance dusts.

Must wear proper PPE such as bump cap, eye and ear protection, gloves, seatbelts to ensure your safety as well as protecting the quality of our products.

Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves regular interaction with team members across departments.

You'll Thrive Here If You...

  • Take pride in keeping production running smoothly.
  • Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
  • Are reliable, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented.
  • Want to work for a company with deep roots and a meaningful mission.

Ready to Grow with Us?

Apply now and start making a difference with Seneca Foods.

Visit: https://careers.senecafoods.com

Seneca Foods Corporation is committed to providing equal opportunity for all, through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. Seneca Foods Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact us at ADA@senecafoods.com or call 585-495-4100.


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