Farm Equipment Helper (H-2A focus)
This page explains the Farm Equipment Helper role in the United States for international candidates. It is a practical, hands-on position that supports tractors and farm machinery during busy seasons—fueling, cleaning, staging tools, assisting operators, and reporting issues early. CV is required for review.
Some farms call this role “equipment runner” or “machinery support helper.” Your exact mix of duties depends on crops, season, and equipment fleet.
Role snapshot (what employers actually need)
- Keep machines moving: fuel, grease, clean, stage attachments, and support quick turnarounds.
- Reduce downtime: spot leaks, worn hoses, loose bolts, low fluids—report early.
- Support operators: safe spotting, hand signals, tool runs, basic yard logistics.
- Work safely: pinch points, PTO hazards, moving vehicles, heat/cold exposure.
Gross pay (brutto) — practical guidance
For H-2A job orders, the hourly gross wage must meet the applicable minimums (often the state AEWR floor) and may be higher depending on duties and wage source.
| Example location | Gross hourly floor | Use-case |
|---|---|---|
| AR / LA / MS | $14.83/hr | Lower-floor states (baseline reference) |
| TX / OK | $15.79/hr | Common large-farm regions |
| FL | $16.23/hr | Produce / nursery seasons |
| CA | $19.97/hr | High-floor state |
| OR / WA | $19.82/hr | Orchards / berries / hops |
| HI | $20.08/hr | Top-floor example |
Market reference (equipment-operation duties): equipment-heavy roles commonly cluster around the low-to-mid $20s/hr gross depending on responsibility and location (operator-level duties pay more than helper-only tasks).
Typical tasks (detailed)
- Assist with pre-start checks: fluids, filters, belts, lights, tires/tracks, grease points.
- Fueling, cleaning, and basic servicing to keep tractors, loaders, and attachments ready.
- Help hitch/unhitch implements (safe positioning, blocks/chocks, hand-signal spotting).
- Run tools/parts to the field; organize the yard (hoses, pins, chains, fittings, fasteners).
- Support irrigation or pumping setups where applicable (moving lines, staging fittings).
- Report issues early: leaks, overheating, unusual noise/vibration, damaged hoses/cables.
Requirements (what gets you approved)
- English CV with equipment exposure (even basic) and clear work dates.
- Comfort around moving machinery and strict safety rules (no shortcuts).
- Mechanical aptitude: basic hand tools, fasteners, hoses, fittings, simple diagnostics.
- Physical readiness: lifting/carrying, climbing steps, outdoor work in varied weather.
- Schedule flexibility (early starts, long days during peak season; weekends may occur).
- Employer policies may include orientation, safety training, and site-specific screening.
Short candidate portrait
You are the type of person who likes practical work, stays calm around machines, follows instructions exactly, and notices small problems before they become expensive.
- Mindset: safety-first, reliable, no drama.
- Strengths: organized, quick learner, good with hands/tools.
- Best fit: you can handle repetitive tasks and still stay attentive.
Working conditions in the USA (H-2A-focused, candidate-facing)
What is typically included
- Housing: typically provided at no cost for workers who cannot reasonably return home daily.
- Meals: either 3 meals/day OR free cooking/kitchen facilities (job-order dependent).
- Hours: the job is full-time (commonly 35+ hours/week) and employers must meet the “three-fourths” hours guarantee across the contract.
- Pay clarity: the wage in the job order must be paid for all hours worked and must meet required wage rules for the program.
Safety & performance expectations
- Follow traffic patterns in yards/fields; use a spotter where required.
- Respect lockout/stop procedures before touching moving parts.
- Use PPE as required (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility).
- Heat/cold readiness: hydration, layered clothing, sun protection, pace management.
- Clean work zones: fewer trips, fewer injuries, faster turnarounds.
Next steps (how selection usually works)
- Upload your CV (English) and ensure your phone/email are correct.
- We review equipment exposure and availability window (season dates matter).
- If shortlisted, we confirm location options, start timeline, and documentation steps.
FAQ (role-specific)
Do I need experience with tractors or can I be trained?
Many employers can train a motivated helper, but they still expect basic “equipment sense”: safe distance, awareness of moving parts, and ability to follow instructions precisely. Any prior exposure (even basic) should be clearly written in your CV.
Is the pay hourly and is it gross (brutto)?
For H-2A job orders, pay is stated in the job order and is paid for all hours worked. The numbers shown on this page are gross (brutto) hourly reference points and can be higher depending on duties and location.
Are housing and meals included?
Housing is typically provided at no cost for eligible workers under H-2A rules. Employers must also provide either 3 meals per day or free cooking/kitchen facilities (job-order dependent).
What hours should I expect?
Agricultural schedules are seasonal. Expect full-time weeks and extended days during peak windows. Job orders must reflect intended hours, and employers must meet the three-fourths guarantee across the contract period.
What should my CV emphasize to pass the first review?
Put machinery-related details near the top: equipment types, basic maintenance tasks, safety routines, and any yard/field logistics you handled. Concrete examples beat generic statements.
Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.