What does a Farm Hand do?
No matter its size, a farm is often a busy place. Daily tasks must typically be completed on a strict schedule to keep crops and livestock growing and producing properly. In many cases, the workload is too great for a farm owner to carry out on their own. This is where Farm Hands come in.
A Farm Hand provides much-needed support to farmers, especially those in high-volume operations. With a quality team of Farm Hands, tasks such as milking, sowing and harvesting can be done more efficiently. This can also give a farm room to expand without overloading farmers or ranchers, who can spend their time directing the operation.
Farm Hand skills and qualifications
A Farm Hand’s duties rely on a developed skillset to be performed correctly. Farm work requires that team members possess strong attention to detail and patience with demanding tasks. Since much of the work occurs outside, Farm Hand candidates should be comfortable outdoors in all kinds of conditions. Some of the most important Farm Hand qualifications include:
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A basic understanding of animal husbandry and crop cultivation
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The ability to perform manual work
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Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for working with farming equipment
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Strong communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with other Farm Hands
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Comfort performing repetitive tasks
Farm Hand experience requirements
Previous experience as a Farm Hand is common in candidates. Mastery of the role comes from engaging in it daily, so a background as a Farm Hand can signal a knowledgeable applicant.
Since the job involves a variety of different tasks and skills, experience in any of these areas can indicate potential proficiency. This can include past work in roles involving animal care or crop cultivation. Prior experience operating heavy machinery can also be a plus.
Farm Hand education and training requirements
There are generally no formal education requirements for Farm Hand roles. However, a driver’s license or a license to operate heavy machinery can allow a Farm Hand to perform additional duties.
Farm Hand salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Farm Hand is $16.72 per hour. However, this figure may differ depending on several factors. Geographic location, company size and prior experience can all influence the salary you expect to offer a candidate.
Job description samples for similar positions
A Farm Hand might not be the right role for your job description. If this information isn’t quite what you’re looking for, a similar position may be more useful. Here are some Farm Hand-adjacent positions to check out:
Farm Hand job description FAQs
What sort of hours do Farm Hands work?
On a farm, work often starts early and ends late. For this reason, Farm Hands are often needed outside typical business hours. When crafting a job description, make note of these unique shift schedules. That way, you’re more likely to attract candidates who are available mornings, nights or weekends.
Who does a Farm Hand report to?
Farm Hands may report to a Farm Manager or Assistant Farm Manager. In some cases, they may report to the farm owner directly. Some businesses also employ Farm Hand Leads, who direct a group of Farm Hands during collaborative work.
How does a Farm Hand’s career advance?
Some candidates might be interested in future advancements. Farm Hands may move up to a leadership role, such as a Farm Hand Lead or even an Assistant Farm Manager. In larger operations, there could be potential for a future as a purchasing agent.
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