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Live In Farm Work Jobs in Soledad, CA (NOW HIRING)

Esalen Institute

WORK SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Big Sur, CA

$16.90/hr

Planting, weeding, harvesting, and tending to the land in the Farm & Garden * Supporting ... Live in shared accommodations. * All meals will be provided. $16.90 - $16.90 an hour Pay is ...

Tanimura & Antle

Farm Irrigator

Salinas, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Work Environment: Involves working outdoors in varying weather, frequent exposure to wet or humid conditions, and a generally moderate noise level.

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All JobsLive In Farm Work JobsLive In Farm Work Jobs in Soledad, CA

Live In Farm Work information

See Soledad, CA salary details

$15

$27

$36

How much do live in farm work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in farm work in Soledad, CA is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is live in farm work?

Live in farm work refers to jobs where employees live on the farm property while performing agricultural tasks such as planting, harvesting, animal care, and maintenance. Workers are typically provided with accommodation as part of their compensation, which can range from shared housing to private rooms. This arrangement can be seasonal or long-term, depending on the farm's needs. Living on-site allows workers to respond quickly to farm duties and can foster a sense of community among workers. It's common in rural areas and can be a good way to gain hands-on experience in agriculture.

What is the difference between Live In Farm Work vs Live In Ranch Hand?

AspectLive In Farm WorkLive In Ranch Hand
CredentialsBasic farm operation knowledge, sometimes certifications in agriculture or machinerySimilar credentials, often including livestock handling and equipment operation
Work EnvironmentCrop farms, mixed agricultural settings, often seasonalRanches with livestock, outdoor, physically demanding
Employer & IndustryFarm owners, agricultural companiesRanch owners, livestock industry
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Live In Farm Work and Live In Ranch Hand roles both involve living on-site and performing outdoor agricultural tasks. Farm work typically focuses on crop cultivation and general farm maintenance, while ranch hands primarily handle livestock care and ranch operations. Both roles require physical stamina and basic agricultural skills, but the specific environment and responsibilities differ. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in the agricultural industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in farm worker?

To thrive as a Live In Farm Worker, you need hands-on experience with agricultural tasks, basic knowledge of crop or livestock care, and often a valid driver's license. Familiarity with machinery such as tractors, irrigation systems, and basic farm tools is typically required, along with certifications in first aid or pesticide handling in some cases. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and effective communication help individuals excel in communal and physically demanding rural environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient farm operations and foster positive relationships with farm owners and coworkers.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a live in farm worker?

As a live-in farm worker, your daily duties often include tasks such as feeding and caring for livestock, planting or harvesting crops, cleaning animal enclosures, operating farm machinery, and maintaining fences or equipment. Workdays can start early and may vary with the season, weather, and specific type of farm. You'll typically collaborate closely with other farm workers and the farm owner, and living on-site means you'll be available for occasional after-hours responsibilities, such as emergencies with animals. This role provides hands-on experience, a strong sense of teamwork, and opportunities to learn new agricultural skills.
What cities near Soledad, CA are hiring for Live In Farm Work jobs? Cities near Soledad, CA with the most Live In Farm Work job openings:
Live In Farm Work jobs near you

GARDEN FIELD HAND - Full Time 3 Month

Esalen Institute

Big Sur, CA

$18.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow's psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley's belief in "human potentialities", the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.  
 
Esalen isn't just a place to work, it's an invitation to help change the world.
OVERVIEW
  • This full-time position supports the Farm & Garden Manager and Supervisors in all aspects of production and operation of the Farm and Garden.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Harvest a variety of crops and wash/pack  (2-3 times per week)

  • Harvest Manage on a rotating schedule. Which includes recording the weights, transport, and organization of our produce within the kitchen. Serves as a Kitchen liaison. 

  • Compost, including mechanized turning

  • Bed preparations and plantings

  • Soil cultivation and weeding

  • Irrigation of annual and perennial crops at both the farm and garden. Irrigation maintenance. 

  • Perennial crop pruning and care

  • Nursery management, including weekly sowings and daily watering

  • Mechanical cultivation with tractor implements

  • Support production of value added Farm & Garden products; which may include fermented foods, herbal teas and herbal medicines.

  • Leading and directing crews ranging from 2-8 people with a wide range of experience and backgrounds, from one-time volunteers with little to no experience to residential students.

  • Support land stewardship through consistent weed whacking and lawn mowing across the Farm & Garden grounds.

  • Demonstrates general maintenance abilities, including basic repairs and small building projects as needed.

  • Supports weekly cleaning and organization in the common garden spaces. Including the golf carts, garden kitchen, wash station, and tool shed.

  • Supports where it is needed in the seasonal Esalen Farm and Garden workshops

  • Supports pest management efforts in the Farm and Garden spaces

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 6 months experience working in a production garden or equivalent training.

  • Experience overseeing and directing work crews.

  • An understanding of sustainable gardening principles and practices including soil health and fertility, irrigation systems, composting techniques, pest control, weed control etc.

  • Working knowledge of organic crop production, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs, native and perennial crops.

  • Working knowledge of creating and cultivating value added products such as; fermented foods and herbal medicines.

  • Skilled in clear and authentic communication, including ability to share in and support personal sharing circles. 

  • Demonstrated ability to safely lead and participate in physically demanding work on uneven terrain.

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds in various situations.

  • Experience in and/or willingness to learn Esalen communication skills using methods such as daily Gestalt style Check-ins.

  • Willingness to work on weekends and early mornings (7:30am) 

FLEXIBILITY
  • Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen's and your team's needs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to maneuver on uneven ground, drive golf carts, often carry and lift up to 50 pounds, handle and use tools and machinery, and ability to do physical garden/farm work including harvesting, hoeing, stake pounding/pulling, digging, weed whacking, and lawn mowing.  Many of the activities require bending over, kneeling and sitting on uneven ground during cold/rainy and hot/ sunny weather conditions. There is some exposure to dust, fumes, gas and chemicals.
COMPENSATION
  • 3 Month position
  • Wage range $18.50-$22/hour
  • Full Time - 40 Hours/week
  • Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
  • All meals provided
  • The pay for this position is commensurate with experience. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga, dance, tai chi, and meditation), and ongoing in-house education and training programs. In alignment with Esalen's mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of  personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.
$18.50 - $22 an hour
The pay for this position is commensurate with experience and internal equity.
Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without  regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or  gender expression.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
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