Farm Assistant

Salary: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 Annually
Location : Horry County, SC
Job Type: Temporary Grant - Full-Time
Job Number: PSA041
Agency: South Carolina State University
Division: Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: KA15
Position Number:: PSA041
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: CLN03
Hiring Range - Min.: $30,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $35,000.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Applicants must submit a completed online application through the State of South Carolina careers website. A resume may be attached but will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.Candidates selected for an interview may be required to provide proof of education, certifications, and a valid driver's license. Selected candidates will be subject to a background check and driver's license review prior to employment.
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Work Schedule: Hours will vary based on operational needs. Position may require early morning, evening, weekend, holiday, and seasonal work. Schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, planting and harvesting schedules, farm activities, and special events.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
South Carolina State University's 1890 Research & Extension Program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for citizens through research-based educational programming, community outreach, and agricultural innovation. For more than 100 years, SC State has connected individuals and communities to resources that promote healthier, safer, and more prosperous lives.
The Farm Assistant supports daily agricultural operations at Freewoods Farm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This position assists with planting, harvesting, soil blending, irrigation installation, greenhouse maintenance, equipment upkeep, and general farm operations. The successful candidate will be dependable, safety-conscious, willing to learn, and capable of performing physically demanding work in a farm environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with soil mixing and blending operations.
• Plant, cultivate, and harvest crops.
• Install and remove staking poles and irrigation systems.
• Assist with greenhouse and high tunnel construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Operate farm equipment and machinery after receiving appropriate training.
• Load, bag, label, stack, and palletize agricultural products.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas, equipment, and facilities.
• Support maintenance of tractors, UTVs, tools, and farm supplies.
• Monitor operations and report equipment or operational concerns to the Farm Manager.
• Assist with production planning and scheduling activities.
• Perform general farm labor and support special projects as assigned.
• Maintain accurate operational records and follow established safety practices.
• Demonstrate stewardship of land, crops, and natural resources.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in farming, landscaping, construction, grounds maintenance, or related outdoor labor preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, climb ladders, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Experience in farming, agriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, construction, or related outdoor labor is preferred.

Additional Comments

• Basic knowledge of farming practices and equipment operation.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to learn new agricultural production methods and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet operational deadlines.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing outdoor environment.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, reach, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and rain.
  • Ability to work on uneven terrain and climb ladders as necessary.
• Working Conditions
  Work is performed primarily in a rural farm environment. Employees will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, dirt, dust, agricultural equipment, and other conditions commonly associated with farming operations. The position requires flexibility to support seasonal agricultural activities and special projects as needed.

South Carolina State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing to work in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as needed?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

07

Describe any experience you have working on a farm, ranch, greenhouse, nursery, landscaping crew, construction site, or other outdoor labor position?
08

Are you able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and rain?

• Yes
• No

Required Question