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Farm Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Seaboard

Sow Farm Supervisor Farm 89

Bloomfield, IA

Performing audits of the farm to ensure all standard operating procedures are being followed and facilities are in good working condition. * Ensuring that all daily and weekly production targets are ...

WFR

Assistant Farm Manager

Waukon, IA

Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn ...

Thompson Agro

Grain Hauling-Farm Assistant

Leland, IA

$20 - $25/hr

Grain Hauling - Farm Assistant. Primary job duty is hauling grain (semi) but will also include operating farm equipment and other general farm tasks. Family farm setting near Leland, IA. Full-Time. ...

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All JobsFarm Worker JobsFarm Worker Jobs in Iowa

Farm Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm worker in Iowa is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a farm worker?

Farm workers are individuals who perform a variety of tasks related to planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, as well as caring for livestock on farms. Their duties can include operating machinery, irrigating fields, feeding animals, and maintaining farm facilities. Farm workers play a vital role in the agricultural industry by ensuring the production and supply of food and other agricultural products. The work can be physically demanding and often takes place outdoors in various weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a Farm Worker, you need physical stamina, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to operate or learn to operate farm machinery, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like tractors, irrigation systems, and safety equipment is typically expected, and some employers may prefer certifications in pesticide use or equipment operation. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and productive farm operations, which are essential for successful crop or livestock management.

What do farm workers do?

A farm worker is a general title for someone that completes tasks in the agricultural industry. As a farm worker, your responsibilities may involve tending to livestock or crops. If you primarily work with crops, your job duties include irrigating soil, spraying fertilizer and pesticide solutions on fields, and harvesting crops with machinery or by hand. However, if you mainly work with livestock, your job duties include feeding the animals, cleaning their pens and cages, checking for sick or injured animals, administering vaccines and medications, branding livestock for identification, and herding livestock to specific areas.

What are some common challenges farm workers face during peak harvesting seasons?

During peak harvesting seasons, farm workers often experience long hours, physically demanding tasks, and tight deadlines to ensure crops are collected at their freshest. Weather conditions can add unpredictability, requiring flexibility and adaptability from workers. Teamwork and clear communication become especially important, as tasks are often coordinated among several workers to meet production goals efficiently. Despite these challenges, peak seasons also offer opportunities to earn overtime and develop valuable skills in agricultural operations.

What is the difference between Farm Worker vs Farmhand?

AspectFarm WorkerFarmhand
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications requiredUsually no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor farms, fields, orchardsOutdoor farms, fields, orchards
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in agriculture, farmingOften used interchangeably with Farm Worker
Job DutiesPlanting, harvesting, basic farm tasksPlanting, harvesting, basic farm tasks

Farm Worker and Farmhand are often used interchangeably, both referring to individuals performing manual labor on farms. While 'Farm Worker' is the more formal term, 'Farmhand' is a common colloquial alternative. Both roles involve similar duties such as planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance in outdoor agricultural environments, with minimal formal credentials required.

Are farm workers paid well?

Farm workers' wages vary depending on location, experience, and the type of farm work performed. In general, they earn close to the minimum wage, with some earning higher wages through overtime or seasonal work, but overall compensation is often considered modest given the physical demands of the job. Additional skills such as operating machinery or handling specialized crops can influence pay rates.
More about Farm Worker jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm Worker jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Farm Worker jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Farm Worker jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Worker jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Farm Worker jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Farm Worker job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Farm Worker jobs in IA?

For Farm Worker jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Farm Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Worker job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,101 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

BREED-GESTATION LEAD|SUNSET SOW FARM| CLINTON,IL

JBS Imports

Oakville, IA • On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at JBS USA
Position Title: Department Head
Job Status: Full-time
Exempt (Agriculture)
Direct Reports: Breeding and/or Farrowing Employees
Reports to: Farm Manager
Nature of Position:
Manage all functions of the department including staff for the successful operation of the unit.
Essential Functions:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of Functions)
  • Take an active role in safety program including following safety procedures, enforcement of policy and continued training.
  • Perform all required duties in a timely manner as outlined in the S.O.P (Standard Operating Procedure).
  • Work scheduled hours which may include nights and weekends.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers.
  1. Must recognize and report any broken or faulty equipment to their supervisor.
  2. Meet company expectations for attendance at work and punctuality.
  3. Follow all rules and procedures from both the employee handbook and direct rules and procedures from supervisor.
  4. Attend all mandatory meetings and training.
  5. Must be receptive to constructive criticism by co-workers and supervisors.
  6. Understand and demonstrate AI (Artificial Insemination) protocols and procedures.
  7. Achieve conception rate goal for wean sows or gilts set by location.
  8. Understand and perform proper techniques of sow monitoring in farrowing.
  9. Understand and perform proper techniques of day 0-3 pig care.
  10. Understand and perform proper techniques of sorting and fostering.
  11. Understand and perform proper techniques of manure feedback.
  12. Understand and perform proper techniques of prostaglandin use.
  13. Understand and perform time efficiencies in all tasks.
  14. Assist in maintaining inventories of medications and supplies.
  15. Take responsibility for correct handling and storage of semen.
  16. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of pregnancy diagnostics.
  17. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of unit targets and objectives.
  • Perform equipment, facilities, grounds maintenance and manure handling as required.
  • Understand and demonstrate correct animal handling techniques at all times.
  • Properly identify and understand and demonstrate proper procedures for treatment, vaccines and bio feedback guidelines of sick and/or lame animals through health assessments.
  • Agree to and observe all Bio-Security Requirements for the unit.
  • Achieve PQA+ (Pork Quality Assurance Training).
  • Ensure that all animal welfare procedures outlined by TriOak are followed.
  • Ability to lead the team in the absence of the sow farm manager.
  • Assign schedules for power washing.
  • Assist with loading pigs and sows.
  • Training of animals for electronic feeding system and demonstrate correct feeding procedures.
  • Held accountable for production results and key performance indicators.
  • Records accurate concise records to be turned in to database systems.
  • Count pigs total born and born alive.
  • Performing Day 1 through 3 management, semen handling and storage and heat checking.
  • Will perform supervisory role training and managing employees.
  • Assist with Sow conditioning under direct supervision.
  • Complete other duties as may be assigned.

Success Factors:
  • Project leadership qualities to effectively promote corporate philosophy.
  • Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making: to identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and specify alternate solutions.
  • Establish and carry out specific courses of action for self and/or groups.
  • Show a competent level of self-motivation to complete tasks.
  • Work within and lead in a team environment.
  • Work in a physically demanding environment.
  • Demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, dependability and caring.
  • Be proud of work well done.
  • Respect others.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Job Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise in swine management.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage inventory and throughput efficiently.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage people.
  • Be able to lift and move 50lbs up to 100 yards.
  • Push and/or pull a minimum of 500lbs in a cart with wheels when required.
  • Squat to floor, grip small objects with ease and twist at least 45 degrees.
  • Capable of repeated motions.
  • Be responsive to visible signs of animal discomfort.
  • Be responsive to verbal alarms and sounds of animals.
  • Be able to understand, retain and perform oral and written instructions in English.
  • Able to communicate orally and in writing with other employees and company contacts.
  • Be able to move, load and unload animals up to 750 pounds.
  • Ability to walk, stand and squat for long periods of time on different surfaces including concrete and slats.
  • Ability to climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
  • Climb different types of ladders including feed bin ladders.
  • Maintain balance on all surfaces.
  • Must not own or live near any swine. Must not live with anyone who has contact with swine.

Working Conditions:
  • During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100° F for entire scheduled workday.
  • During winter months outside temperatures can be below 0° F for entire scheduled workday.
  • During and after heavy rains the road in and around the farms can become extremely muddy and difficult to maneuver on.
  • During different job duties the noise inside or outside barns can become very loud.
  • Will be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.
  • Will be exposed to electrical boxes and electrical machinery that are not to be entered or repaired by those who are not certified in basic electrical training and/or lock out tag out.
  • Will be exposed daily to procedures that may cause contact with hazardous materials.

Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual - Spanish
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:
  • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
  • Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
  • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;

This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled.
The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
About us: JBS USA is a leading global provider of diversified, high-quality food products, including a portfolio of well-recognized brands and innovative, easy-to-use food solutions. We process, prepare, package and deliver fresh and value-added premium meat, poultry and retail-ready food products for customers in approximately 100 countries on six continents. We are also the majority shareholder of Pilgrim's, the largest poultry company in North America. JBS USA employs more than 100,000 team members, and our corporate office is located in beautiful Greeley, Colorado, where our 1,200 team members onsite enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.
Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity
EOE, including disability/vets

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