Local Farm Helper Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable living and organic produce, the significance of local farm helpers has become more prominent.
As farming practices continue to evolve, the demand for skilled hands who can nurture, grow, and maintain our agricultural landscape grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a local farm helper?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the workings of local farming,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable local farm helper job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dig into it right away.
Local Farm Helper Duties and Responsibilities
Local Farm Helpers perform a variety of tasks related to farming and agriculture, and they assist in maintaining and managing daily farming operations.
Their role is often physically demanding, requiring a strong understanding of farming practices and machinery operation.
A local farm helper’s daily duties and responsibilities can include:
- Assisting in planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops
- Feeding, watering, and taking care of farm animals
- Operating, maintaining, and repairing farm equipment and machinery
- Assisting in the maintenance of farm buildings, fences, and other structures
- Applying pesticides and herbicides to crops and fields to control pests and weeds
- Assisting in the sorting and packing of harvested products
- Helping with farm record keeping and inventory management
- Performing general farm cleanup, including the disposal of animal waste
- Assisting in the loading and unloading of supplies and products
Local Farm Helper Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Local Farm Helper to assist with the daily operations of our farm.
The responsibilities of a Local Farm Helper include assisting with animal care, tending to crops, operating farm machinery, and performing routine maintenance work.
The ideal candidate should have a passion for agriculture, be physically fit, and possess a strong work ethic.
Ultimately, the role of the Local Farm Helper is to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the farm and contribute to our mission of sustainable and responsible farming.
Responsibilities
- Assist with planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops
- Feed and care for livestock and poultry
- Operate farm machinery and tools
- Maintain and repair farm buildings, machinery, and equipment
- Assist with the management of farming resources
- Follow health and safety standards, including the proper use of agricultural chemicals
- Keep records of farming activities
- Perform routine maintenance tasks and general farm clean-up
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a farm helper or similar role
- Knowledge of farming best practices
- Able to operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
- Good physical stamina and flexibility
- Basic understanding of agricultural operations and farm equipment
- Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
- High school diploma or equivalent; degree in agriculture or relevant field is a plus
Benefits
- On-site accommodation
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Local Farm Helper
- Work Environment: This role is physically demanding, and work is often performed in outdoor conditions.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager or Owner.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 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 farm. 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 a Local Farm Helper Do?
Local Farm Helpers are primarily employed by local farmers to assist in day-to-day operations of the farm.
They are typically involved in a wide range of tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting crops.
These responsibilities require a strong knowledge of farming practices and processes.
They may also be responsible for the maintenance of farm equipment and machinery, which can include tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
This involves ensuring the equipment is in working order and making minor repairs when necessary.
Local Farm Helpers often assist in the care and feeding of farm animals, if the farm has them.
This can include milking cows, shearing sheep, feeding chickens, and more.
They may also be tasked with selling farm produce, either at the farm itself or at local markets.
This involves interacting with customers, handling money, and ensuring the produce is fresh and ready for sale.
In addition to these tasks, Local Farm Helpers are often responsible for ensuring the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the farm, which includes cleaning barns and pens, disposing of waste appropriately, and keeping the fields free from debris.
Overall, a Local Farm Helper plays a crucial role in maintaining the productivity and efficiency of a local farm.
Local Farm Helper Qualifications and Skills
A competent Local Farm Helper should possess the following skills and qualifications to perform their duties:
- Physical fitness and stamina to perform strenuous tasks such as lifting, carrying, and operating machinery
- Basic understanding of agricultural practices and farm equipment for efficient and safe operation
- Time management skills to complete tasks such as planting, harvesting, and maintenance within set timelines
- Animal care knowledge for handling livestock, feeding, and administering basic health care
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish larger farm tasks
- Problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise with crops, equipment or livestock
- Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions such as weather and seasonal variations
- Communication skills to effectively interact with farm owners, other farm helpers, and possibly customers or visitors
Local Farm Helper Experience Requirements
For the role of a Local Farm Helper, prior experience in farming or agriculture may be beneficial but is not always necessary as many farms provide on-the-job training.
They should have a basic understanding of the farming process and be able to operate or learn to operate machinery and equipment.
In some cases, potential Farm Helpers may have gained experience through part-time work on a family-owned farm or through volunteering in community farms or gardens.
This hands-on experience can be valuable in learning the basic responsibilities and tasks of a Farm Helper.
Farm Helpers with 1 to 2 years of experience may have more advanced knowledge in areas such as livestock care, crop management, or farm machinery maintenance.
This experience level might be required for larger or more specialized farms.
Those with more than 3 years of experience in the field may be able to take on more responsibilities, such as supervising seasonal workers, managing the harvest process, or assisting in farm planning and crop rotation strategies.
These individuals may be prepared for more senior farming roles or farm management positions.
For those aspiring to progress to farming roles that require more technical knowledge or managerial skills, acquiring related certifications or degrees in agriculture, horticulture, or farm management can be beneficial.
Local Farm Helper Education and Training Requirements
Local Farm Helpers generally do not require a formal education, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often beneficial.
Some knowledge in areas such as animal science, agriculture, or horticulture can be advantageous.
This knowledge can be gained through vocational programs, community colleges, or agricultural universities.
Training for Local Farm Helpers is usually provided on the job.
This hands-on training may cover various aspects like planting, harvesting, and maintenance of crops; care and feeding of livestock; machinery operation; and understanding of organic and sustainable farming methods.
In addition to the practical skills, Farm Helpers should also be physically fit as the job often involves manual labor, and it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of machinery maintenance and repairs.
Certain farms might require their helpers to hold a valid driving license, particularly if the job involves operating large farm equipment or vehicles.
Although not necessary, some Farm Helpers may choose to pursue advanced courses or certifications in agricultural or animal sciences, organic farming, or horticulture to improve their knowledge and skills.
Local Farm Helper Salary Expectations
A Local Farm Helper can expect to earn an average wage of $12.36 (USD) per hour.
The actual earnings can significantly vary based on factors such as experience, the size and type of farm, and the location of the farm.
Local Farm Helper Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Local Farm Helper need?
Local Farm Helpers need to have strong physical stamina and endurance to handle the manual labor involved in the job.
They should be able to work in all weather conditions and should be comfortable around all types of farm animals.
Basic knowledge of agricultural practices and machinery operations is also required.
Good communication and teamwork skills are also essential as farm work often involves coordination with other farm workers.
Do Local Farm Helpers need any formal education?
Although formal education is not a necessity, having a high school diploma or equivalent can be beneficial.
Some farms may provide on-the-job training, while others might prefer candidates with some experience in farming or animal handling.
Advanced positions may require a degree in agriculture or a related field.
What should you look for in a Local Farm Helper’s resume?
Look for experience in farming or similar roles that involve physical labor.
Knowledge of farm machinery and equipment, livestock handling, and basic maintenance skills can be a plus.
Any certifications related to farming, animal care, or equipment operation are also valuable.
What qualities make a good Local Farm Helper?
A good Local Farm Helper is physically fit and can handle long hours of strenuous work.
They should be comfortable with early morning starts and working in all types of weather.
They should be responsible, reliable, and able to follow instructions carefully.
Good communication skills, teamwork, and a love for animals and the outdoors are also important qualities.
What are the daily duties of a Local Farm Helper?
The daily duties of a Local Farm Helper can vary widely depending on the type of farm.
However, common tasks often include feeding livestock, cleaning animal living areas, planting and harvesting crops, operating and maintaining farm machinery, helping with farm construction projects, and assisting in the packing and shipping of farm produce.
Conclusion
And that’s the scoop.
We’ve just revealed the true essence of being a local farm helper.
Surprised?
It’s not just about planting seeds.
It’s about nourishing our community and our planet, one crop at a time.
With our dedicated local farm helper job description template and authentic examples, you’re prepared to take the leap.
But don’t stop here!
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every seed sown is part of a larger ecosystem.
Let’s cultivate that future. Together.
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