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Small Farm Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Seso Inc.,

Reicks View Farms

Lawler, IA

$18.66/hr

... Farms Title: Animal Breeder Sow Unit -Nursery - Finishing Compensation: * Hourly wage $18.66 ... Squat to the floor, grip small objects with ease, and twist at least 45 degrees. * Capable of ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K/yr

We provide large and small farms with the independent AW assurance and verification that today's consuming public has come to expect. FACTA's standards not only meet market expectations but exceed ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

We provide large and small farms with the independent AW assurance and verification that today's consuming public has come to expect. FACTA's standards not only meet market expectations but exceed ...

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See Iowa salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do small farm jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for small farm in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the small farm position, and why are they important?

To thrive in managing or working on a small farm, you need hands-on knowledge of crop cultivation, animal husbandry, basic machinery operation, and general farm management, often gained through experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with tools such as tractors, irrigation systems, soil testing kits, and sometimes certifications in pesticide application can be valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for navigating the unpredictable nature of farming and working with seasonal help or vendors. These skills are critical for ensuring efficient operations, productivity, and the long-term sustainability of a small farm business.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working on a small farm?

Daily tasks on a small farm often include planting, watering, and harvesting crops, feeding and caring for animals, maintaining equipment, and monitoring the health of plants and livestock. You may also be responsible for repairing fences, managing irrigation systems, and keeping accurate records of production and expenses. Depending on the season and type of farm, work can vary greatly day-to-day, requiring flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills. Collaboration with other farm workers, vendors, and sometimes customers at farmers' markets or CSA programs is common. This variety makes the role both challenging and rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work in a dynamic environment.

What is a small farm?

A Small Farm job involves working on a small-scale agricultural operation, often focusing on sustainable and diversified farming practices. Responsibilities may include planting, harvesting, tending to livestock, maintaining equipment, and selling produce at markets. Workers may be involved in organic farming, permaculture, or other specialized agricultural methods. These roles require physical stamina, a strong work ethic, and a passion for farming. Small farms often emphasize community engagement, local food production, and environmental stewardship.

What are popular job titles related to Small Farm jobs in Iowa? For Small Farm jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Farm jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Small Farm jobs in Iowa are:
Small Farm jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Farm job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,238 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

FARROWING LEAD| MARCO SOW FARM| ST.ANTHONY,IA

JBS USA

Saint Anthony, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

 
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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