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Farm Worker Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

World Oil

Tank Farm Operator I

Modesto, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

We are seeking an experienced Tank Farm Operator for aFull time LOCAL position in CERES, CA. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions include, but are not limited to the ...

World Oil

Tank Farm Operator I

Modesto, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

We are seeking an experienced Tank Farm Operator for aFull time LOCAL position in CERES, CA. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions include, but are not limited to the ...

Foster Farms

Chicken Catcher (Shift Varies)

Delhi, CA · On-site

$23.25/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 ...

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All JobsFarm Worker JobsFarm Worker Jobs in Modesto, CA

Farm Worker information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm worker in Modesto, CA is $18.41, 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.
More about Farm Worker jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm Worker jobs in Modesto, CA?

The most popular types of Farm Worker jobs in Modesto, CA are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Worker job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,303 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Contract to Hire Farm Foreman

Gold Leaf Farming

Oakdale, CA • On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Background/Culture
Gold Leaf is a farming company whose core focus is to build farms, family, and a future we're proud of. We own and operate ~12,000 acres of almonds, pistachios, and dates in California and Arizona, making us a top ~15 grower of these crops globally. Our growth has been enabled by ~$300M of investment from our partners and our 60-person team that operates the farms every day.
Our North Star is to leave the world better than we found it. We have a significant opportunity to do well by doing good - we invest in our team, so that we can invest in differentiated, sustainable farming, so that we can drive financial results. Our farm workers have a $23 starting wage in California, fully paid healthcare, retirement, and parental leave. Our farms use technology and incorporate research-based strategies to maximize production and profitability while minimizing the use of precious natural resources.
Over time, we'll continue to grow our farms under management, acreage, and team. We hold traditional farming values in high regard: taking pride in quality operations, buying and holding prime farms with a long-term view (everything we buy we'd be happy to own forever), and staying grounded in our values: being candid, putting family first, acting like owners and leading by example. Learn more about Gold Leaf Farming at https://www.goldleaf.ag/
Role Overview
The Farm Foreman champions a strong safety culture on the farm while maintaining accurate, up-to-date records across all our tech tools. This role supports daily and weekly planning, coordinates the execution of on farm tasks, tracks equipment utilization and contracted work, and keeps facilities and tools clean, organized, and well-maintained. Above all, the Foreman anticipates operational needs and leads with an ownership mindset focused on profitability and the proper care of company assets.
Responsibilities
Team Safety (Absolute Priority)
  • Our first priority is to ensure that all team members are safe at all times. The Farm Foreman is expected to actively promote a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with safety protocols, verify proper use of PPE, and maintain up-to-date safety training records.

Records and Data Management
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date operational and safety records in core tech tools including Compass, Google Sheets/Forms, Intelliculture, and through physical records.

Planning and Coordination
  • Support daily and weekly planning based on manager-defined activities
  • Prepare and organize required information before tasks are executed
  • Stay ahead of key tasks and deadlines

Accountability and Follow-Up
  • Track and follow up on equipment rentals and contracted work
  • Analyze executed tasks and operational performance
  • Identify and report delays, inconsistencies, or issues

Organization and Order
  • Keep the farm clean and well organized
  • Maintain facilities clean, safe, and comfortable
  • Ensure tools are inventoried, properly assigned, stored correctly, and kept in good condition

Proactive Operational Support
  • Remain attentive to field and operational needs
  • Anticipate and communicate supply shortages, maintenance needs, operational risks, and upcoming deadlines

Ownership Mindset and Profitability Focus
  • Our ultimate goal is to achieve profitability. This includes the proper care of all company assets. We must always remember that we lead by example and act with an ownership mindset - because we are owners in the way we think, act, and lead.

Suggested Skills & Experience
  • Ability to plan and prioritize daily/weekly tasks based on manager direction
  • Problem-solving skills to identify and escalate delays, inconsistencies, or operational issues
  • Basic math skills for tracking diesel consumption, chemical inventory, and supply levels
  • Familiarity with agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, and general farm maintenance
  • Leadership and team supervision experience, with the ability to model safety culture and accountability
  • Basic computer/tablet literacy for data entry
  • Ability to read, write, and maintain accurate records in English (and/or Spanish, as applicable) sufficient to complete daily activity logs, safety and chemical inventory documentation, and field monitoring records
  • Working knowledge of PPE requirements and safe equipment operation

The Ideal Cultural Fit
Gold Leaf was founded with specific values in mind. We believe values should not just be written down, they should be lived every day. The ideal cultural fit is someone who:
  • Acts Like an Owner: Think and act as if you own the farms, because you do. We grant equity to every team member. We share responsibility when things go wrong and share credit when we get big wins.
  • Is Candid: Be real-open, honest and transparent. We build trust and push each other to be better through candid dialogue. We are 100% open with each other, our partners, our vendors, and our neighbors and community. We give candid feedback to drive constant improvement.
  • Puts Family First: Our team and their families are all part of the Gold Leaf family, and we value their commitment to Gold Leaf. We create a differentiated employment experience in Ag. We treat each other with compassion and respect, compensate fairly, and build an environment where great people want to work.
  • Leads by Example: We are the change we want to see in the world. We want to farm forever, so we take care of our people, the Earth, and the communities we live and work in-setting a positive example for our neighbors and the industry.

Compensation
This is a contract to hire role with a target hourly rate of $23-24/hour. Upon full time hire as a Gold Leaf employee, additional compensation includes company equity, performance-related bonus, and employer sponsored benefits package. Individual compensation may vary based on additional factors including job-related experience, skills, and/or relevant education or training.
The pay range for this role is:
23 - 24 USD per hour (Hickman, CA)

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