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Farm Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Super-Sod

Farm Equipment Operator

Benton, TN · On-site

As a Super-Sod Farm Labor/Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for operating a variety of mechanical farming equipment-from mowers and forklifts to sprayers and manual harvesting tools-to support ...

Super-Sod

Farm Equipment Operator

Benton, TN · On-site

As a Super-Sod Farm Labor/Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for operating a variety of mechanical farming equipment-from mowers and forklifts to sprayers and manual harvesting tools-to support ...

Super-Sod

Farm Equipment Operator

Benton, TN · On-site

As a Super-Sod Farm Labor/Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for operating a variety of mechanical farming equipment--from mowers and forklifts to sprayers and manual harvesting tools--to ...

Tennessee State University

Farm Worker

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Previous experience in a farm or agricultural environment is highly desirable ... Familiarity with operating agricultural machinery and equipment is an asset. * Ability to perform ...

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All JobsFarm Operator JobsFarm Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Farm Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$19

$24

How much do farm operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm operator in Tennessee is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $21.15 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 Tennessee? For Farm Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Farm Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Farm Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Operator jobs in TN? For Farm Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Farm Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,997 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator

Super-Sod

Benton, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you a skilled equipment operator who enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in keeping agricultural operations running smoothly?


As a Super-Sod Farm Labor/Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for operating a variety of mechanical farming equipment-from mowers and forklifts to sprayers and manual harvesting tools-to support all phases of sod production and harvesting. Your day-to-day will include equipment inspections and maintenance, assisting with construction and facility upkeep, and performing hands-on harvesting tasks. This is a dynamic role ideal for someone who thrives in an active, outdoor environment and values precision, safety, and teamwork in every task.  Under manager supervision, the Super-Sod Farm Labor/Machine Operator performs work of moderate difficulty in the operation of various mechanical farm equipment; performs related farm and harvesting work as assigned.

Essential Functions

  1. Operates various mechanical farming equipment used in agricultural production, such as mowers, forklifts, and sprayers as well as other manual harvesting equipment.
  2. Performs inspection and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, buildings, and facilities.
  3. Participates in construction/maintenance projects.
  4. May train new staff or act as lead worker.
  5. May keep records and prepare reports.
  6. Performs other related tasks related to agriculture harvesting as assigned by Farm Supervisor.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Competencies

  1. Ethical Conduct.
  2. Communication Proficiency.
  3. Technical Capacity.
  4. Organizational Skills.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

Work Environment

This job operates in exposure to direct sunlight and weather 90% of the time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. 

 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This employee requires full range of motion of arms and legs and requires constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.

Typical/ Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours can change at the discretion of the Farm Manager, though typical hours of work Monday-Friday are:

Winter & Fall 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Spring & Summer 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM

 

Travel

Requires little to no travel time.

Required Education and Experience

  1. Experience operating farm equipment, such as tractors, forklifts, or mowers.
  2. Must be able to work in a safety aware environment.
  3. Bilingual skills are desired but not required
  4. Must be 18 years of age or older.
  5. Pre-employment drug screening required.

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