Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Farm Worker / Labourer- from: Youtube Search
- Farm Worker / Labourer- from: Agricultural Workers, CareerOneStop (USA) [Video]
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working Life
Farm workers carry out the general duties involved in running a farm. Farm workers employed on arable farms specialise in duties related to the growing of crops, for example cereals, potatoes or soft fruits. This would involve looking after the crops and harvesting them. Workers employed on livestock farms specialise in the rearing and care of animals. Here farm workers would feed and water the animals, and clean out their sheds. Some farms mix arable and livestock farming, employing specialist workers or workers with experience in both areas.
Most farms are in rural areas and farm workers are usually based outdoors, often working in dirty conditions. They drive tractors, operate complex machinery and farm equipment, and maintain and repair farm buildings. Farm workers on arable farms spend a lot of time in the fields sowing, planting, ploughing and harvesting crops. Farm workers specialising in livestock farming feed, water and care for the animals, keep the farm clean and hygienic, and maintain records.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
- Herd livestock to pastures for grasing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
- Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
- Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
- Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
- Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
- Segregate animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences.
- Move equipment, poultry, or livestock from one location to another, manually or using trucks or carts.
- Clean stalls, pens, and equipment, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, shovels, water hoses, or pumps.
Qualities - Farm Worker / Labourer
You must be fit, strong and able to work alone for long periods. You will need to follow instructions accurately and work to a routine often on your own. You would have to be prepared to work long hours including evenings and weekends. Farm workers have to be out in all sorts of weather.
Interests - Farm Worker / Labourer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Entry / Progression - Farm Worker / Labourer
This is an entry level job, training may be provided on the job by your employer.
Key Skill Certs:
- Manual Handling
- SafePass
- Occupational First Aid
- B class Drivers License [incl Tractor]
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: agriculture, agricultural mechanisation, drystock herd management, pig management, animal care, animal science, crops, machinery management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: agriculture, agricultural mechanisation, drystock herd management, pig management, animal care, animal science, crops, machinery management.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Agricultural, Horticulture, Arboriculture, Farm Technician, Farm Management, Farriery, Stud Farm Assistant Manager.
Search for Apprenticeships
Teagasc provides a complete range of comprehensive training courses that take place at a wide network of training centres search Teagasc courses.
Pay & Salary - Farm Worker / Labourer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €39k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, shift pattern, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ IFJ/ Salaryband/ Erieri
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Farm Worker / Labourer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Farm workers; Forestry workers; Elementary occupations in horse racing and related industries; Fishing; and other elementary agriculture occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth for elementary agriculture workers over the five-year period was marginally below the national average, although employment fell in 2022, returning to 2019 levels. Almost half of those employed in these occupations were working part-time and the share aged 55 years or older was above the national average. At 25%, the share who were non-Irish citizens was above the national average. The re-introduction of quotas for employment permits resulted in just over 1,000 new permits issued in 2022, primarily for horticultural operatives but also mushroom harvesters and dairy farm assistants.
There was a large number of vacancies advertised through the DSP for horticultural operatives and harvesters for the mushroom industry. There was also a relatively high share of jobseekers registered with DSP in December 2022 who had previously been employed in agricultural roles. Although there is no evidence of shortages, the apparent attractiveness of the job is resulting in recruitment issues. This occupation has been identified as being at high risk of automation, although this may depend on businesses having the resources to invest in new technology. Issues have also been identified with recruiting trained forestry workers; while the numbers involved are very small65, an increase in demand may arise in line with Ireland’s Forest Strategy (2023-2030).
Useful Contacts - Farm Worker / Labourer
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Irish Farmers Association
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Clonakilty Agricultural College
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Clonakilty Agricultural College
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Mountbellew Agricultural College
- Mountbellew, Co.Galway
- (090) 96 79205
- Click Here
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Ballyhaise Agricultural College
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Ballyhaise Agricultural College
