What Does a Field Worker Do?

Field workers are the people who get things done in the real world. They’re the ones who build your house, plant your crops, repair your car, etc. They work outside all day and often have a lot of physical labor to do.

Field Worker Job Duties

Field workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Collecting data such as measurements, weights, and other information used in surveys and experiments
• Measuring and recording data such as soil composition and density, or animal populations in habitats
• Inspecting equipment and machinery such as farm equipment or construction machinery to ensure safe working conditions
• Observing animals or plants to record data on their environment or behavior
• Planting seeds or seedlings, fertilizing or watering them as needed, and harvesting them when they are ready
• Collecting data such as insect samples or other biological samples from wildlife habitats
• Recording data such as field conditions and crop conditions using computers or other equipment
• Maintaining records of fieldwork activities, including time spent in each location, types of samples collected, and findings
• Preparing reports about findings and observations, including maps, charts, photographs, and videos

Field Worker Salary & Outlook

Field workers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $38,000 ($18.27/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of field workers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need to collect data and conduct research in fields such as environmental science, geoscience, and social sciences. However, automation may limit employment growth in some areas, particularly in scientific and engineering research and in data collection and analysis.

Related: Field Worker Interview Questions and Answers

Field Worker Job Requirements

A field worker may need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Field workers typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed some college or trade school courses. Taking classes in agriculture, horticulture, biology, chemistry and mathematics can help you understand the science behind agriculture and assist you in your job.

Training & Experience: Field workers often receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced workers. This training may include learning how to use specialized equipment, how to perform certain tasks and how to handle common problems. Training may also include learning safety procedures and how to handle hazardous materials.

Certifications & Licenses: Field workers don’t need any certifications to acquire employment. However, some field workers can increase their earning capacity by earning industry-specific certifications. These certifications can help field workers more effectively navigate the systems and processes unique to the industry in which they work.

Field Worker Skills

Field workers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Field workers communicate with their supervisors and other employees on a regular basis. They also communicate with clients and customers, so it’s important for them to have strong communication skills. These skills include active listening, speaking and writing skills, as well as the ability to use nonverbal communication.

Time management skills: Field workers often have multiple tasks to complete in a day, so time management skills can help them stay on track. You may also have to travel to different locations to complete your work, so having good time management skills can help you get to each location on time.

Problem-solving skills: Field workers solve problems on a daily basis. They may encounter issues with equipment, paperwork or other challenges that they need to overcome. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you find solutions to these issues and continue working productively.

Organizational skills: Field workers need organizational skills to keep track of their work and the data they collect. You may need to record information about the location of the plants you check, the condition of the plants and the weather conditions. You may also need to keep track of the plants you’ve already checked and the order in which you plan to check them. Organizational skills can help you keep track of your work and ensure you don’t miss any plants.

Adaptability: Field workers often work in a variety of environments, so it’s important for them to be adaptable. This means being able to change their work routine and expectations to fit the needs of their employer. For example, if a field worker is used to working in a greenhouse and the greenhouse is suddenly unavailable, they should be able to work in a different environment.

Field Worker Work Environment

Field workers are employed in a variety of settings, including farms, orchards, nurseries, greenhouses, and landscaping companies. They may also work in parks, forests, and other natural areas. The work is physically demanding, and workers must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. They may also be required to lift heavy objects and work in inclement weather. Field workers typically work long hours, and their workdays may vary depending on the season and the type of crop they are harvesting. In some cases, they may be required to work at night or on weekends. Overtime is often required, and workers may be on call 24 hours a day.

Field Worker Trends

Here are three trends influencing how field workers work. Field workers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of the Gig Economy

The gig economy is growing rapidly, as more and more people are turning to freelance work as a way to make ends meet. This trend is having a major impact on the field of fieldwork, as more and more companies are looking for workers who can provide services on a contract basis.

Field workers who are able to adapt to this new economy will be in high demand, as they will be able to provide businesses with the flexibility they need to get work done quickly and efficiently. In addition, field workers who are able to market themselves effectively will be able to find more work and earn more money.

More Use of Technology in Field Work

As technology advances, field workers are increasingly using it to help them do their jobs more efficiently. This includes the use of smartphones and other devices that allow them to access data from anywhere.

In the future, field workers will continue to rely on technology to help them do their jobs better. This means that those who are interested in becoming field workers should focus on developing skills in areas such as software development and data analysis.

Greater Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion have become important topics in many industries, including field work. As businesses strive to create more inclusive workplaces, they are beginning to look for field workers who can help them achieve this goal.

Field workers who are able to understand and appreciate diversity will be in high demand, as they will be able to help businesses create more welcoming environments for all employees.

How to Become a Field Worker

A field worker career can be a great way to get started in the workforce. It’s a job that offers a lot of variety and flexibility, so it’s perfect for people who want to try different things. You could work as a field worker in many different industries, including construction, landscaping, manufacturing, and transportation.

No matter which industry you choose, there are some basic skills that will help you succeed in this job. These include physical stamina, problem-solving ability, and the ability to work independently. You should also be able to lift heavy objects and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Advancement Prospects

Many field workers advance to become supervisors, lead workers, or other types of first-line managers. Some may move into marketing, sales, or other business operations. Many others become construction managers, electricians, or other types of craft workers.

Advancement for field workers usually comes slowly and depends on job performance and the availability of openings. Some field workers, such as those in the construction industry, may advance more quickly if they have completed an apprenticeship or have a bachelor’s degree in construction management.

Many field workers eventually start their own businesses. Some become general contractors, while others open their own construction, electrical, or other type of business.

Field Worker Job Description Example

We are looking for a hard-working and reliable field worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience with manual labor and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. He or she will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, and general upkeep of the grounds. The ability to operate basic landscaping equipment is preferred but not required. The most successful candidate will be able to work independently with little supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with clients in their homes or other settings to provide direct services, including but not limited to: light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation
• Assist clients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming, according to each individual’s care plan
• Provide companionship and emotional support to clients
• Keep accurate documentation of services provided and changes in client condition, updating the supervisor as needed
• Adhere to all safety regulations and infection control procedures
• Report any changes in client condition or home environment to the supervisor immediately
• Attend mandatory in-service trainings and staff meetings
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized service plans
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Follow all policies and procedures of the organization
• Respect the rights and dignity of all clients
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as a field worker
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to work independently or with a team

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in related field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience working with at-risk youth
• First Aid and CPR certified