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Trainee Farm Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Farm Manager Trainee

Aurora, MO · On-site

$18.85/hr

... Trainee with Select Genetics, you'll gain the skills, training, and experience needed to lead farm ... This 6-12 month training program is designed for motivated individuals who enjoy working with ...

Summary: The Manager Trainee supports the Farm Unit Manager (FUM) in the execution of agronomic ... Preferred Prior supervisory or lead worker experience in agricultural operations. * Experience with ...

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Trainee Farm Worker information

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$10

$20

$42

How much do trainee farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee farm worker in the United States is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are trainee farm workers?

Trainee farm workers are entry-level employees who assist with various agricultural tasks while learning the skills necessary to work on a farm. They typically help with planting, harvesting, caring for animals, maintaining equipment, and general farm upkeep. The role is designed for individuals new to farming, providing hands-on experience and on-the-job training. Over time, trainee farm workers gain the knowledge required to take on more responsibilities or advance to specialized positions within agriculture.

What are some common challenges Trainee Farm Workers face during their initial months, and how can they overcome them?

Trainee Farm Workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to operate various machinery, and understanding seasonal workflows. The fast-paced environment and early hours can also be an adjustment for those new to agriculture. Overcoming these challenges typically involves seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, taking advantage of on-the-job training, and maintaining a proactive attitude toward learning. Building physical endurance and familiarizing oneself with safety protocols are also key to a successful start in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Farm Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Farm Worker, you need basic physical fitness, a willingness to learn, and a general understanding of farm operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with farming equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes basic certifications like tractor operation or pesticide handling can be beneficial. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are vital soft skills for adapting to changing tasks and weather conditions. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient farm operations and help trainees progress quickly in their agricultural careers.

What is the difference between Trainee Farm Worker vs Farm Hand?

AspectTrainee Farm WorkerFarm Hand
Required CredentialsMinimal; often on-the-job trainingExperience preferred; may have certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, farms, outdoor settingsFarms, agricultural fields, outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level, training roles in agricultureExperienced workers performing farm tasks
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Trainee Farm Worker is typically in a training or entry-level phase, often requiring minimal experience and focused on learning farm operations. A Farm Hand usually has more experience and performs routine farm tasks independently. Both roles are essential in agriculture, but the Trainee Farm Worker is more about gaining skills, while the Farm Hand is about executing farm duties efficiently.

More about Trainee Farm Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Farm Worker jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Farm Worker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Farm Worker jobs? The most popular types of Farm Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Farm Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Farm Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Farm Worker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,630 per year, or $20 per hour.

Herdsperson Trainee FARM 85283

Smithfield Foods

Garysburg, NC

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet.

With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now! Your Opportunity Compensation Start Pay $16.00 + incentives!

The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal removal, and animal movement. Employee may operate mowers, tractors, trucks, bus, and other farm equipment as directed.May be in training for advanced Herd Technician designation.

The Herdsperson position will also provide for the care of all animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.Core ResponsibilitiesFeeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.Maintains flexibility with a willingness to change plans according to the direction of farm leadership.Assists in moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.Sanitizes and washes multiple areas on the farm using high pressure equipment.Processes piglets, which includes: Injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.Maintains accurate production information and update all department records as required.Treats sick animals with a variety of pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, and/or other methods as required.Follows the Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, or Appropriate Training Guides as required.Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.Assists with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.Follows the Company's animal welfare policies and procedures including: providing a physical environment that meets the animal's needs, providing access to adequate water and high quality feed, providing humane treatment of the animals, providing identification and appropriate treatment of animals in need of health care and following the guidelines for euthanasia.Responsible for complying with all environmental, safety and biosecurity laws and procedures.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.High School diploma or GED preferred.Previous livestock handing helpful.Ability to do hard physical labor.Strong commitment to teamwork.Willingness to shower daily in and out of facility.Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.Must be able to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently.Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.Must be on call for emergency situations to include but not limit to, power outages or personnel shortages.Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.Work Environment & Physical DemandsThe work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.Must be able to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics (i.e.

penicillin).Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions. EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.