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Farm Worker Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be ...

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be ...

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be ...

Electrician - Plant 1 (Days)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$27.25 - $41.75/hr

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be ...

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles * Accountability: Deliver on commitments. * Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. * Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.

Electrician - Plant 1 (Days)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$27.25 - $41.75/hr

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles * Accountability: Deliver on commitments. * Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. * Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles * Accountability: Deliver on commitments. * Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. * Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.

Showing results 21-40

Farm Worker information

See Merced, CA salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm worker in Merced, CA is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.29 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.

What are popular job titles related to Farm Worker jobs in Merced, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Farm Worker jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Farm Worker jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Farm Worker jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Farm Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Farm Worker job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,340 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Nor Cal Driver - Shuttle (Nights)

Foster Farms

Livingston, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

About Foster Farms
At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.Essential Functions
POSITION IS FULL TIME / Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday
General start time would be between 5:00pm to 8:00pm / 8 hours shifts
Pay rate: $25.00
(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am).
  • Transport assigned loads
  • Safely load/unload product using hand trucks or power equipment
  • Pre and post trip all equipment used during each shift
  • Accurately complete and distribute all required paperwork

Qualifications
  • Must possess a valid Class 1 driver's license and current medical card
  • Must have two (2) years minimal professional driving experience.
  • DMV record must conform to Foster Farms Guidelines.
  • Must have experience with tractor-trailer, tanker combinations, both 53 foot and doubles.
  • Must be able to work flexible schedule.
  • Must have a good attendance record.
  • Must have a good safety record.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in English (oral & written).
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to hand crank trailer landing gear, which requires exerting substantial force.
  • Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to climb in and out of tractors throughout the shift
  • Must be able to submit and pass criminal background check.

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles
  • Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
  • Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
  • Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
  • Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
  • Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
  • Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.

Why Join Foster Farms?
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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