Farm Labor Contractor

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

7.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Farm Labor Contractor?

A Farm Labor Contractor is a professional responsible for hiring and managing agricultural workers for farms and agricultural businesses. They act as intermediaries between farm owners and laborers, ensuring that workforce needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Sample job titles:

Farm Labor Contractor, Field Manager, Field Supervisor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Farm Labor Contractor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Farm Labor Contractor earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Farm Labor Contractor.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Farm Labor Contractor do?

Work environment

Farm Labor Contractors typically work in agricultural settings, including farms, orchards, and greenhouses. They spend time both in the field and in an office environment, often traveling between different work sites and meeting with farm owners and workers.

Quick task list

Recruits, hires, and organizes farm workers.
Negotiates contracts and wages with farm owners and workers.
Ensures compliance with labor laws and regulations.
Coordinates transportation, housing, and meals for workers.
Manages payroll and work records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Crop-Specific Contracting: Specializing in labor for specific types of crops, like fruits, vegetables, or grains.
Seasonal Labor Management: Focusing on the recruitment and management of seasonal workers during peak farming periods.
Migrant Worker Coordination: Specializing in the logistics and management of migrant agricultural workers.

Description

The role of a Farm Labor Contractor is crucial in the agricultural industry, where labor demands can fluctuate significantly. Contractors must be adept at understanding the specific labor needs for different types of crops and farming operations. They serve as the primary link between farm owners and workers, ensuring that labor needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.

This occupation requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as contractors must balance the needs of both employers and employees. They must also be knowledgeable about agricultural practices and labor laws, ensuring that all operations comply with regulations. Organizational skills are key, as contractors handle various administrative tasks, including payroll and worker documentation.

The role can be challenging, given the seasonal nature of agricultural work and the variability of labor needs. However, it offers the opportunity to play a critical role in the food production process, with a direct impact on the efficiency and success of agricultural operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the success of agricultural operations.
Working closely with diverse groups of people.
The dynamic and varied nature of the work.

You might make a good Farm Labor Contractor if you are...

Interested in agriculture and enjoy working outdoors.
Good at communication and negotiation.
Organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Knowledgeable about labor laws and agricultural practices.
Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Pros:

Direct impact on agricultural success.
Diverse and dynamic work environment.
Opportunities for self-employment.

Cons:

Seasonal fluctuations in work.
Potential for long hours during peak seasons.
Responsibility for compliance with labor laws.

How to become a Farm Labor Contractor

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient, with most skills learned on the job. Some contractors may pursue further education in agriculture, business, or human resources.

High school preparation

Courses:

Agriculture: Gain insights into farming practices and the agricultural industry.
Business Studies: Learn fundamental business principles, which are crucial in managing contracts and operations.
Human Resources Management: Understand basics of workforce management, labor laws, and employee relations.
Communication: Develop strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4-H Clubs: Gain practical experience in agriculture and leadership skills.
Volunteering on Local Farms or Community Gardens: Understand the labor aspects of farming.
Student Government or Debate Club: Build leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.
Part-time Jobs or Internships: In businesses or administrative roles, to gain experience in managing tasks and understanding business operations.

Preparation after high school

Courses and Degrees: - Associate's or Bachelor's Degree: In agriculture business, agriculture operations, or human resources, which provides a more in-depth understanding of the agricultural sector and labor management. - Short Courses/Certifications: In business management, labor laws, and agricultural regulations.

Experiences:

Work Experience in Agricultural Settings: Gain practical experience in understanding the demands of agricultural labor.
Internships with Farm Labor Contractors or Agricultural Businesses: Learn the ropes of farm labor contracting from experienced professionals.
Networking in Agricultural Communities: Attend agriculture-related events and workshops to build connections and stay informed about industry trends and labor needs.
Licensing: In some regions, farm labor contractors require a license. Research and pursue necessary licensing requirements in your area.

More resources

National Association of Farm Labor Contractors (NAFLC) - Provides resources, training, and advocacy for farm labor contractors.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis, including detailed information on the role of Farm Labor Contractors.
United States Department of Labor (DOL) - Offers guidelines, regulations, and resources related to labor standards in agriculture.
Farmworker Justice - A nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers by improving their living and working conditions, including legal assistance and advocacy.
Agricultural Labor Management (University of California) - Provides resources and information relevant to managing farm labor effectively, including hiring, training, and compliance with labor laws.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.