Agricultural Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable development, the focus on agricultural workers has never been more crucial.

As global food demand continues to rise, the call for skilled hands who can cultivate, manage, and conserve our agricultural resources strengthens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an agricultural worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of agricultural work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable agricultural worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Agricultural Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Agricultural Workers perform a variety of tasks related to the planting, cultivating, and harvesting of crops, as well as the rearing and caring for livestock.

They operate and maintain farm machinery, perform physical labor under varying weather conditions, and perform duties related to the maintenance of the farm area.

Agricultural Workers are primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plant, spray, fertilize, and harvest crops and plants
• Operate farm equipment and machinery such as tractors, ploughs, and irrigation systems
• Care for and feed livestock, and monitor their health
• Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to crops and plants
• Perform physical labor such as digging, shoveling, and planting seeds
• Maintain and repair farm machinery and equipment
• Assist in the breeding and rearing of farm animals
• Inspect crops and monitor their conditions to detect disease or damage
• Maintain the cleanliness of the farm area
• Assist with farm administrative duties such as record keeping

 

Agricultural Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and physically fit Agricultural Worker to assist in the cultivation and harvest of crops, and care for livestock.

Duties include operating farm equipment, maintaining machinery, applying pesticides, and assisting with livestock breeding and health maintenance.

A successful Agricultural Worker should have a love for the outdoors, a practical mind, and a deep understanding of farming best practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Plant, fertilize, and harvest crops
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
• Apply pesticides to reduce pests and diseases
• Feed and care for livestock, monitoring their health
• Perform physical labor under all weather conditions
• Repair farm buildings and fences
• Assist in the breeding process of livestock
• Follow all health and safety regulations

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a farming-related field
• Experience in operating farm machinery
• Physical strength and stamina
• Able to work under varying weather conditions
• Knowledge of farming best practices
• Aware of safety regulations in agriculture
• Ability to handle livestock
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Agricultural Worker
• Work Environment: Farm setting with exposure to outdoor elements. Physical labor is a key part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager or Farm Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $24,620 minimum to $37,890 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Agricultural Worker Do?

Agricultural Workers are integral members of the farming industry and they play a crucial role in the cultivation and harvesting of plants, fruits, vegetables, and livestock.

They work in various settings ranging from small family farms to industrial agricultural enterprises.

Their primary responsibilities include planting, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting crops.

They also operate and maintain farm machinery used for these tasks, such as tractors and irrigation systems.

In addition to crops, Agricultural Workers often handle livestock, including feeding, grooming, and providing medical treatment when necessary.

Agricultural Workers are also responsible for monitoring the health of crops and livestock, identifying disease or pest problems, and applying the appropriate treatments or preventative measures.

They may also assist in the packaging and transport of harvested produce or livestock for sale.

In all tasks, Agricultural Workers must adhere to safety guidelines and farming best practices to ensure the sustainability and profitability of their operations.

Some Agricultural Workers specialize in a particular area, such as viticulture (the cultivation of grapes), dairy farming, or organic farming.

Regardless of the area of focus, the goal of the Agricultural Worker is to ensure the productivity and health of the farm and its produce.

 

Agricultural Worker Qualifications and Skills

Agricultural Workers should have a range of hard and soft skills to effectively contribute to farming operations, including:

• Physical stamina and strength to carry out strenuous tasks over long periods, such as harvesting crops, tending to livestock, and operating machinery.
• Technical knowledge of farming practices, pest control, and crop or livestock care to ensure the productivity and health of farm assets.
• Operation and control skills to manage farming machinery and equipment, often including tractors, irrigation systems, and hand tools.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges that arise during farming operations, such as equipment malfunctions, crop disease, or livestock health issues.
• Attention to detail to monitor crop growth, livestock behavior, and equipment condition, as small changes can be crucial indicators of larger issues.
• Time management skills to effectively handle the various daily tasks and seasonal cycles characteristic of farming operations.
• Knowledge of safety protocols to reduce risk and prevent accidents in what can be a hazardous working environment.

 

Agricultural Worker Experience Requirements

Agricultural workers often start their journey by gaining practical experience in farming, which could be through family farms or small-scale agricultural operations.

They learn basic farming practices and use of agricultural machinery while working in these roles.

Entry-level agricultural workers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through seasonal work, internships or part-time roles in farming, horticulture, livestock handling, or other agri-based operations.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have developed their skills in using different agricultural machinery, understanding soil science, crop cultivation techniques and animal husbandry practices.

They may also have experience in operating and maintaining irrigation systems, applying pesticides and fertilizers, and undertaking basic farm management tasks.

Agricultural workers with more than 5 years of experience may have developed a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural industry, with experience in commercial farming or agri-business roles.

They might be ready to take on supervisory roles, managing farm labor, planning crop cycles, or overseeing livestock management.

Some positions, particularly in large-scale farming operations or specialized agricultural sectors, may require workers to have specific qualifications or certifications in addition to their practical experience.

 

Agricultural Worker Education and Training Requirements

Agricultural Workers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may not require any formal education.

Basic knowledge of plants, animals, and farm equipment is usually enough for most entry-level positions in agriculture.

For more advanced roles, such as a farm supervisor or manager, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, farm management, or a related field may be necessary.

On-the-job training is common in this field, as many of the skills required for agricultural work are learned through hands-on experience.

This can include learning how to operate farming equipment, understanding the growth cycles of different crops, and the basics of animal care.

In addition to these basic requirements, some agricultural workers may also choose to complete a certification course in a specific area of farming or agriculture.

Certifications can be obtained in areas like organic farming, pest management, and agricultural machinery operation.

Above all, agricultural workers must have a strong work ethic, a good understanding of safety protocols, and a willingness to work in a variety of weather conditions.

 

Agricultural Worker Salary Expectations

An Agricultural Worker can expect to earn an average wage of $13.12 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the nature of the farming operation, and the region in which the worker is employed.

 

Agricultural Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does an agricultural worker need?

Agricultural workers should have physical stamina and strength to carry out labor-intensive tasks for extended periods.

They should be knowledgeable about different types of crops and livestock, and understand farming techniques and machinery.

Furthermore, they should have good problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected issues, such as machinery breakdowns or crop diseases.

 

Do agricultural workers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for an agricultural worker.

Many agricultural workers receive most of their training on the job.

However, roles involving complex farm machinery or scientific farming methods may require formal education or certification.

 

What should you look for in an agricultural worker’s resume?

Key things to look for in an agricultural worker’s resume include experience in farming or a related field, knowledge of farming equipment, and any relevant certifications.

It’s also important to note their physical stamina and their ability to work in different weather conditions.

 

What qualities make a good agricultural worker?

A good agricultural worker is dependable and willing to perform labor-intensive tasks consistently.

They should be detail-oriented to effectively carry out tasks like planting seeds at the correct depth or operating complex machinery.

A strong work ethic, a desire to learn, and adaptability to changing weather conditions and work schedules are also valuable qualities.

 

What are the daily duties of an agricultural worker?

Daily duties of an agricultural worker can vary greatly depending on the type of farm.

Generally, they may involve planting, irrigating, and harvesting crops, feeding and tending to livestock, operating farming machinery, and maintaining farm facilities.

 

Is it difficult to hire agricultural workers?

Hiring agricultural workers can be challenging due to the physical nature of the job and the seasonal fluctuations in work.

Offering competitive wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skill development can help attract and retain quality agricultural workers.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it means to be an agricultural worker.

Surprised?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing the earth, one crop at a time.

With our comprehensive agricultural worker job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your guide to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Don’t forget:

Every seed planted is a step towards a more sustainable future.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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