Farm Maintenance Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the vast field of agriculture, the need for skilled farm maintenance workers has never been greater.

As agricultural practices evolve, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can maintain, improve, and safeguard our farming infrastructure continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected of a farm maintenance worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of farm maintenance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive farm maintenance worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Farm Maintenance Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Farm Maintenance Workers perform a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of a farm.

They may be involved in both crop production and animal care, and are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of farm buildings, machinery, and equipment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspecting and maintaining farm machinery and equipment to ensure optimal functionality
• Performing basic repairs and maintenance on farm buildings, fences, and other structures
• Assisting with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops
• Assisting with the care and feeding of farm animals
• Operating machinery and heavy equipment, such as tractors and loaders
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards
• Clearing debris and maintaining cleanliness on the farm
• Assisting with irrigation and pest control activities
• Ordering supplies and maintaining inventory
• Reporting any major issues or repairs needed to the farm manager

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent and hardworking Farm Maintenance Worker to join our team.

The Farm Maintenance Worker’s responsibilities include maintaining and repairing farm buildings, machinery, and equipment, and ensuring the farm grounds are kept clean and safe.

Our ideal candidate has a background in agriculture or a related field, possesses a strong understanding of farm equipment and machinery, and is comfortable working in outdoor environments.

Ultimately, the role of the Farm Maintenance Worker is to ensure that all farm operations run smoothly and efficiently.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repair on farm buildings, machinery, and equipment.
• Inspect machinery and equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
• Maintain farm grounds and landscaping, including mowing, trimming, and pruning.
• Assist with planting, harvesting, and animal care as needed.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
• Document and report equipment malfunctions and other maintenance issues.
• Assist with inventory management and order supplies as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a farm maintenance worker or similar role.
• Knowledge of farm machinery and equipment and their maintenance requirements.
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
• Basic understanding of agricultural practices and procedures.
• Good physical health and stamina.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Housing options on the farm property may be available

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Farm Maintenance Worker
• Work Environment: Outdoor and farm setting. The job may involve working in adverse weather conditions and may require heavy lifting and manual labor.
• 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: Dependent on experience and qualifications
• 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 brief outline of your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Farm Maintenance Worker Do?

Farm Maintenance Workers are often employed by agricultural farms and ranches, where they are responsible for the upkeep and repair of the facilities and machinery.

Their daily tasks involve inspecting and maintaining farm structures, such as barns, pens, fences, and irrigation systems to ensure they are in good working order.

They often repair and paint fences and barns, and replace or fix broken equipment.

Additionally, they are responsible for the upkeep of the farm’s machinery, which can range from tractors to milking machines.

This involves routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting malfunctions to keep the equipment running smoothly.

Farm Maintenance Workers may also be involved in the installation of new equipment or structures, or in the planning and construction of new facilities on the farm.

Some of their tasks require knowledge of welding and carpentry, and they may also be expected to handle basic electrical and plumbing repairs.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for groundskeeping tasks, such as landscaping, mowing grass, and maintaining the cleanliness of outdoor areas.

Safety is a key aspect of a Farm Maintenance Worker’s role, and they must follow all safety regulations and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

They often work with potentially dangerous tools and machinery, and they may also handle hazardous chemicals or materials.

Overall, the role of a Farm Maintenance Worker is crucial in ensuring the smooth running of a farm by taking care of the physical infrastructure and machinery that are vital to daily operations.

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient farm maintenance worker must possess a variety of skills and qualifications to effectively perform tasks and ensure the smooth running of the farm:

• Physical strength and stamina to perform labor-intensive tasks, often in adverse weather conditions, over long periods.
• Technical skills to operate, maintain, and repair various farm machinery and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of farming procedures, including planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops.
• Ability to diagnose and fix issues in farm machinery and infrastructure using problem-solving skills.
• Observational skills to monitor the health and well-being of livestock, ensuring they are fed, watered, and sheltered appropriately.
• Good time management skills to effectively perform tasks within designated timeframes, often juggling multiple duties at once.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with farm owners, laborers, and other stakeholders, understanding and following instructions and providing updates on farm conditions.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations to ensure the well-being of both workers and animals on the farm.

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Experience Requirements

Farm Maintenance Workers typically require a variety of experiences to be efficient in their role.

Entry-level candidates usually have at least 1-2 years of experience in a similar field, often gained through part-time roles, internships, or vocational training programs in agriculture, farming or machinery maintenance.

In these roles, individuals learn fundamental skills such as operating farm equipment, general maintenance and repair, as well as basic farming practices.

They may also gain knowledge of animal care, crop cultivation and irrigation systems.

Those who have more than 3 years of experience are usually proficient in more complex tasks like irrigation system installation, heavy machinery maintenance, and the operation of a wide range of farm equipment.

They may also have more advanced knowledge in horticulture or livestock management.

Farm Maintenance Workers with over 5 years of experience often have comprehensive knowledge of farm operations and maintenance.

They may also possess certain specialist skills such as welding, carpentry, or plumbing, which are often required in the management and repair of farm structures and equipment.

At this level, workers may also have leadership experience, overseeing small teams or managing specific areas of farm maintenance.

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Education and Training Requirements

Farm Maintenance Workers usually require a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the field.

Specific courses or practical experience in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, or animal science are beneficial.

They should have knowledge in various aspects of farming, including crop cultivation, animal care, and machinery operation.

Hands-on training is often obtained on the job, although some may choose to attend vocational schools or community colleges for more formalized training in areas such as agricultural machinery maintenance.

For those interested in further specialization, there are certifications available in areas such as agricultural equipment technology or pest management.

It is crucial that Farm Maintenance Workers are physically fit, and have a good understanding of safety protocols as the job often involves heavy lifting and operating machinery.

Regular updates on farming trends, technological advancements, and environmental regulations may also be beneficial for career advancement.

While not a requirement, possessing a commercial driver’s license can be an advantage as it may be necessary for operating certain types of farm machinery.

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Salary Expectations

A Farm Maintenance Worker can expect to earn an average salary of $31,200 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the worker’s responsibilities, experience, location, and the size of the farm they are employed at.

 

Farm Maintenance Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Farm Maintenance Worker need?

Farm Maintenance Workers should possess good mechanical skills to handle machinery repairs and maintenance effectively.

They should have physical stamina for labor-intensive tasks and be able to work in various weather conditions.

Problem-solving skills are also beneficial for diagnosing and fixing issues that might occur on the farm.

 

Do Farm Maintenance Workers need a degree?

Farm Maintenance Workers don’t necessarily need a degree, although some may have degrees in related fields like agriculture or mechanics.

However, they must be familiar with different types of farm machinery and equipment.

Most of the training is done on the job, under the guidance of experienced workers or managers.

 

What should you look for in a Farm Maintenance Worker resume?

Experience and knowledge in farming and machinery maintenance are key things to look for in a Farm Maintenance Worker resume.

Look for indications of physical fitness, hands-on experience, and familiarity with different types of farm equipment.

Certifications in mechanics or relevant vocational training might also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Farm Maintenance Worker?

A good Farm Maintenance Worker is hardworking, reliable, and capable of performing manual labor for extended periods.

They should have a good understanding of machinery and be able to troubleshoot and fix issues as they arise.

They should also be able to work independently and make quick decisions when necessary.

 

Is it difficult to hire Farm Maintenance Workers?

Hiring Farm Maintenance Workers can be challenging due to the physical nature of the job and the specific skills required.

It can also be harder to find qualified candidates in urban areas.

Therefore, offering competitive wages, benefits, and training opportunities can help attract potential employees.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into the true nature of being a farm maintenance worker.

Guess what?

It’s not just about fixing machines.

It’s about shaping the future of agriculture, one fixed machinery at a time.

With our detailed farm maintenance worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to the nines.

Remember:

Every repaired machine is a part of the bigger agricultural picture.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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