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Insect Farm Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

As the project involves working with live insects it may be necessary to work outside regular hours ... Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand ...

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Insect Farm Worker information

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$9

$18

$28

How much do insect farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for insect farm worker in the United States is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an insect farm worker do?

An Insect Farm Worker is responsible for breeding, raising, and harvesting insects such as crickets, mealworms, or black soldier flies for various uses, including animal feed, human consumption, and waste management. Their duties typically involve maintaining insect colonies, cleaning enclosures, monitoring environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, and ensuring the health and productivity of the insects. They may also help with processing, packaging, and shipping insect products. This role requires attention to detail, a willingness to work with live insects, and adherence to safety and hygiene protocols.

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

To thrive as an Insect Farm Worker, you need knowledge of insect biology, experience with animal care, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with climate control systems, automated feeding equipment, and basic data recording software is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure optimal insect health, efficient production processes, and compliance with safety and quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by insect farm workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Insect farm workers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and ventilation) for insect health and productivity. Managing biosecurity to prevent contamination or disease outbreaks is also crucial. Workers can address these challenges by following strict sanitation protocols, regularly monitoring equipment, and collaborating closely with team members to ensure quick responses to any issues. Ongoing training and open communication with supervisors help maintain efficiency and safety within the farm environment.

What is the difference between Insect Farm Worker vs Bee Keeper?

AspectInsect Farm WorkerBee Keeper
CertificationsNone typically required, some may have agricultural or entomology trainingBeekeeping certifications or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor insect farms, controlled environmentsOutdoor apiaries, hives in various weather conditions
Industry UsageInsect protein, animal feed, researchHoney production, pollination services

Insect Farm Workers and Beekeepers share some skills like handling insects and working outdoors, but Insect Farm Workers focus on insect cultivation for food or research, often in controlled environments, while Beekeepers primarily manage honeybees for honey and pollination. Both roles require knowledge of insect behavior and safety procedures, but certifications are more common for Beekeepers. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the insect industry.

What are popular job titles related to Insect Farm Worker jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Insect Farm Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% 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 $38,955 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern

Malta, IL • On-site

$20 - $45/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support seed parent characterization research through field trial management, data collection, and agronomic evaluations.

  • Take a lead role in trial design, preparation, maintenance, harvesting, and data analysis at one of the Seed Parent Characterization locations.

  • Assist with project management, ensuring field activities such as planting, treatments, observations, and harvest are executed according to plan.


Job description

Company Description

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. We invite you to help shape the future of agriculture and play a role in safely feeding the world while caring for our planet.

Syngenta's Production & Supply Team is seeking a Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern in Malta, IL. This internship role will support the delivery of seed parent characterization research through field trial management, data collection, agronomic evaluations, and project execution to advance seed production and new product development.

As part of Syngenta's Emerging Talent Program, you will gain hands-on experience, exposure to day-to-day business operations, and opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges while developing your professional skills.

Estimated Duration: May 2027 - August 2027

Accountabilities:

  • Gain exposure to Seed Parent Characterization activities, allowing the intern to apply their academic background and assist in department activities from trial design, preparation, maintenance, harvesting, laboratory tasks, and data analysis.
  • Develop a good understanding of new corn hybrid development and parent characterization activities by taking a lead role for one of the Seed Parent Characterization locations.
  • Strengthen new product advancements through the assessment of important traits for seed production.
  • Take the lead on project management and execution according to the assigned project. Ensure that field activities (planting, plot maintenance, and harvest) for research plots are executed. This comprises routine site/farm maintenance activities, such as planting plots, applying treatments, collecting observations and in-season data, and maintaining the plots throughout the growing season.
  • Support other Seed Parent Characterization activities, as well as agronomic trial activities.
  • Develop and maintain two-way communication with project managers, Seed Production Research (SPR) Scientists, Agronomists, and Parent Seed colleagues. Additionally, communicate with people from different areas, from breeding all the way to commercial seed production, aiming to gain a good understanding of the whole chain.
  • Assist with managing and developing part-time workers.
  • Analyze data and prepare a report and presentation for the assigned project.
  • Ensure all activities are conducted according to Company safety procedures and recommendations, and promote environmentally sustainable solutions.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program in Agronomy, Biology, Ag Business, or another closely related field of study, with a graduation date of December 2027 or later.
  • Must be a current student continuing their education upon completion of the internship term.
  • A valid Driver's License.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Preference for a student with Sophomore or Junior standing.
  • May be required to lift 30 pounds.
  • Communication: The ability to communicate information well (both written and spoken) is highly desired.
  • Detail-Oriented: All procedures and policies must be understood and followed.
  • Autonomous: An independent individual who is self-motivated and needs little supervision.
  • Confidence: Not afraid to ask bold questions and be curious.
  • Eagerness to learn and grow in the role.
  • Previous internship and/or co-op experience related to agriculture is preferred but not required.
  • Familiarity with working on a farm, working with crops, or working outdoors is preferred but not required.
Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges between $20 - $45 hourly.

What We Offer: 

  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. 
  • Competitive wages
  • Ongoing career development resources
  • The opportunity to work on meaningful, innovative projects that solve problems

Syngenta is committed to creating a culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

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