Private
Responsibilities
The typical tasks performed by a farm hand include:
- Feeding animals
- Providing animals with water
- Cleaning out pens and enclosures
- Providing fresh straw and hay
- Ensuring the physical wellbeing of all the animals on the farm
- Moving animals from one area of the farm to the other
- Maintaining the condition of the farm buildings
- Operating complex farming machinery
- Maintaining the machinery located across the farm environment
- Care of Pastures
- Planting crops and caring for them whilst they grow
- Spraying crops and checking them for disease
- Harvesting crops
- Providing specialist care for vulnerable animals, including orphans
- Alerting the farmer to any problems regarding the animals or the general environment
- Landscaping
- Maintaining Fence and Gates
Qualifications
Individuals who wish to become farm hands do not need to hold any formal qualifications. Indeed, many farm hands apply for a permanent position straight after leaving school and many gain experience whilst still studying at school. Once individuals have started work at a farm, the farmer may choose to send them on specific courses, which provide more in-depth training which is relevant to different areas of farm work. For instance, the farmer may wish their employees to attend courses which instruct individuals about the best ways to plant, crops, pasture care, etc.
Skills
Good farm hands will need to possess the following skills:
- A thorough knowledge of farming practices and different farming methods
- Physical strength and stamina
- Sensitivity
- A practical mind
- Problem-solving skills
- The ability to use one’s own initiative
- Flexibility
- Organizational skills
- The ability to work well as part of a team
- Dedication to furthering the successful development of the farming environment
- Landscaping of all farm properties.
Working Conditions
Farm hands spend a lot of time working outdoors, although a lot of time will also be spent indoors in barns and other farm buildings. Farm hands spend most of their time on their feet, so the job can be very tiring.
The hours worked by farm hands can be long and unpredictable, since animals do not stick to a 9 to 5 timetable! Farm hands may need to start their working day very early, since farmers often start work before 6 in the morning. During busy times of year, such as the calving season, employees will be expected to work during the evenings and through the weekend. At other times of year, the working hours will be more reasonable, particularly during the winter months when it gets dark early.
Experience
Practical Experience experience is needed for individuals wishing to become farm hands. However, any previous experience in a farming environment, or any external environment where manual labor has been performed, will boost a CV. Being able to show confidence and familiarity around animals will also look impressive to potential employers.
Practical cow/calf operational experience is necessary – prefer 3-5 years’ experience.
Must pass background check, drug test and credit check.
To apply, forward bio & resume to our email address.
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Pennsylvania Ranch Jobs
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