1

Farm Sitting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator - 2nd Shift

Sioux City, IA

$21.50 - $29.75/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... There is occasional sitting, position is variable. * Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per ...

Wastewater Operator - 2nd Shift

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... There is occasional sitting, position is variable. * Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per ...

Wastewater Operator - 2nd Shift

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... There is occasional sitting, position is variable. * Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per ...

Demonstrated general knowledge of farming and farm operations including row cropping and cattle is ... Must be able to perform the following physical activities: sitting for long periods, talking (in ...

Performs diagnostics and repairs on agricultural farm equipment * Participates in Training programs ... for example - sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling

Performs diagnostics and repairs on agricultural farm equipment * Participates in Training programs ... for example - sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling

Showing results 21-40

Farm Sitting information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do farm sitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm sitting in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is farm sitting?

Farm sitting is a service where a responsible individual looks after a farm and its animals while the owner is away. This includes feeding animals, checking water supplies, collecting eggs, watering plants, and maintaining overall farm operations. Farm sitters may also handle emergencies, follow specific care routines, and provide updates to the farm owner. This role is vital to ensure the health and safety of livestock and the smooth running of the farm during the owner's absence.

What are farm sitting jobs?

Farm sitting jobs involve looking after animals and crops while the owners are away or unable to work. In this role, you take over the majority of the responsibilities usually done by the farmer, which may include feeding and watering the animals, cleaning a farmhouse or barn, letting animals out for exercise and corralling them back home, and grooming farmyard pets. The daily responsibilities of a farm sitting job vary by the type of farm you work on; some may involve milking cows, while others may include exercising horses, shearing sheep, or monitoring automatic irrigation systems. You may also need to document the completed tasks and provide the owner with regular updates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a farm sitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Farm Sitter, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic farm maintenance, and experience with daily routines such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring livestock health. Familiarity with farm equipment, animal health record systems, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid or handling are beneficial. Reliability, strong observation skills, and excellent communication are vital soft skills for managing emergencies and reporting to farm owners. These skills ensure the well-being of animals and property, maintain farm operations smoothly, and build trust with farm owners.

What are the most common challenges faced by farm sitters and how can they be managed effectively?

Farm sitters often encounter challenges such as caring for diverse types of animals with specific routines, handling unexpected emergencies like animal illnesses or equipment malfunctions, and adapting to unfamiliar property layouts. To manage these effectively, it's important to have clear, detailed instructions from the farm owner, maintain open communication, and possess basic animal care and troubleshooting skills. Being proactive, organized, and resourceful helps ensure a smooth experience for both the sitter and the animals.

What is the difference between Farm Sitting vs Pet Sitting?

AspectFarm SittingPet Sitting
CredentialsNone typically required, but knowledge of farm animals helpfulOften requires pet care experience, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentRural farms, large outdoor spaces, multiple animalsHomes, indoor/outdoor spaces, individual pets
Employer & IndustryFarm owners, agricultural industryPet owners, pet care industry
Common Search & ComparisonFarm Sitting vs Pet Sitting

Farm Sitting involves caring for farm animals and managing rural farm environments, often requiring knowledge of livestock. Pet Sitting focuses on caring for household pets like dogs and cats within a home setting. While both roles involve animal care, Farm Sitting typically requires outdoor work and handling larger animals, whereas Pet Sitting is more about indoor pet care. Understanding these differences helps pet and farm owners choose the right caregiver for their needs.

What does a farm sitting do?

A farm sitting job involves caring for a farm's animals, crops, and property while the owner is away. Tasks may include feeding animals, watering plants, checking fences, and maintaining the farm environment, often requiring knowledge of animal care and farm equipment. Farm sitters typically work on a flexible schedule and may need to follow specific instructions from the farm owner.

What are popular job titles related to Farm Sitting jobs in Iowa?

For Farm Sitting jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Farm Sitting job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,238 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Maintenance Mechanic A- 1st shift

Perdue Farms

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$23.75 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue’s Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats division leverages our core strengths in poultry while specializing in premium pork, beef, lamb, and pet nutrition segments while emphasizing health, sustainability, and convenience. Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue. 

Summary

Keep operations running at peak performance by maintaining and repairing the equipment that powers our facility. As a Maintenance Mechanic II, you will diagnose issues, perform preventive maintenance, and repair or install equipment to ensure reliable, efficient production. Your work will help minimize downtime and support consistent operational flow. This role is ideal for a skilled, hands on professional who enjoys troubleshooting, takes pride in equipment reliability, and is committed to supporting safe, high performing operations.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Knowledge of and able to perform all the tasks required for a Maintenance Mechanic II.
  • Provide own personal hand tools needed (see required tool list on page 4) to safely perform the job and have a storage box to store.
  • Provide a means of notification/communication during non-working hours for emergencies.  Must respond to emergency calls within thirty (30) minutes.
  • Ensure shop and surrounding areas are kept clean by the removal of all debris in work areas, work benches, break rooms, all floors, and the same are free of liquids, oils, and dirt.
  • Ensure a safe working environment by elimination of unsafe act(s) or condition(s).
  • Other duties as assigned by Leadership.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • 3 – 5 Years experience.
  • Strong reading, communication math, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Must be proficient in at least nine (9) of the following areas:
    • Reading Blueprints/Schematics
    • Cut and weld (Oxygen, Acetylene and Aluminum) all types of metals
    • Hydraulics
    • Pumps
    • Electrical wiring and motors
    • Filter systems
    • Pipe fitting/plumbing**
    • Operation of shop equipment
    • Millwright
    • Sheet metal fabrication
    • Refrigeration systems
    • Pneumatics
    • Carpentry
    • Certified Electrician

Preferred Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, or 2-year technical college.

 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

  • In stationary positions or moving for 12 hours on a wet, moist, dry and greasy floor which includes metal or plastic grating surfaces with up to four (4) hours in a single interval.
  • Ability to climb stairs, upon equipment, catwalks, and work from various ladders.
  • Exposure to and work in temperatures of <0 to >110 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity, noise exposure of >110 db, and light intensity range of <50 to >100 foot candles.
  • Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting, and grasping varies in repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, height, longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions depends upon the maintenance task being performed.
  • Must be able to lift and control weights up to 100 pounds.
  • Must be able to bend down and maintain a kneeling position.
  • Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
  • Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, ammonia vapors >5ppm, dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, salt, and other chemicals found in a poultry processing operation.
  • Must wear and/or use protective and safety equipment required for the job.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.


What Perdue Farms employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom