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Farm Labor Contractors

SOC 13-1074.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers farm labor contracting operations including worker recruitment, payroll, field supervision, regulatory compliance, and contractor-grower relationship management across seasonal agricultural worksites.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Worker wage records — review and verify under supervisor guidance in a farm labor contracting office.
  2. Field sanitation supplies and drinking water — assist in distributing to contracted workers at an agricultural job site.
  3. Agricultural worker recruitment postings — draft and submit using word processing software under direct instruction.
  4. Basic task assignments — relay to field workers following foreman directions on a crop production site.
  5. Work rule violations — recognize and report to a supervising foreman during daily farm operations.
  6. Hand tools and field equipment — issue to contracted employees from a supply area under direct oversight.
  7. Spreadsheet templates — enter labor hours and worker counts into pre-built formats in a contracting office.
  8. Oral instructions in a second language — listen and respond at a basic level when communicating with Spanish-speaking farm laborers.
  9. Worker attendance logs — maintain accurately using paper or electronic records during a harvest season.
  10. Safety and sanitation regulations — identify relevant requirements by reviewing posted guidelines at an agricultural worksite.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Contracted worker payroll — calculate and process wage payments using accounting software with reduced supervisor oversight in a farm labor office.
  2. Field water stations and portable sanitation units — coordinate setup and restocking across multiple agricultural worksites during a season.
  3. Agricultural worker candidates — recruit, screen, and hire using database and internet browser software to meet seasonal staffing quotas.
  4. Foremen assignments — coordinate across work crews to ensure direct supervision of workers during planting or harvest operations.
  5. Crew performance — monitor against production targets and address routine issues during daily field supervision.
  6. Tool inventory — track issuance and returns using spreadsheet software to maintain accountability across a contracted workforce.
  7. Worker scheduling — manage shift rotations and time allocations using office suite software to meet grower deadlines.
  8. Bilingual crew communication — conduct routine briefings in a foreign language to convey task expectations at a field site.
  9. Employment law requirements — apply standard recordkeeping and wage compliance procedures as required under state agricultural labor regulations.
  10. Contractor-client correspondence — draft and send professional communications using email and document management software on behalf of a contracting firm.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Multi-site payroll operations — oversee accurate and timely wage disbursement for contracted farm laborers across several grower accounts using ERP software.
  2. Worker housing, water, and sanitation compliance — conduct site inspections and resolve deficiencies autonomously to meet federal and state agricultural standards.
  3. Full-cycle recruitment campaigns — design and execute hiring strategies using web page and database tools to build a qualified seasonal workforce under tight timelines.
  4. Foreman workforce — select, deploy, and evaluate foremen independently to maintain consistent supervision quality across large or dispersed farm crews.
  5. Contracted crew productivity — diagnose performance problems and implement corrective measures using critical thinking and direct field observation.
  6. Equipment and tool procurement — assess needs, source supplies, and manage distribution to ensure contracted employees are properly outfitted for varied crop tasks.
  7. Labor cost forecasting — build and analyze budget projections using spreadsheet and ERP software to support grower contract negotiations.
  8. Cross-cultural workforce communication — conduct nuanced instruction and conflict resolution in a foreign language across diverse agricultural labor teams.
  9. Legal and regulatory risk — evaluate contractor obligations under H-2A visa programs, FLSA, and OSHA agricultural rules and implement compliant policies.
  10. Contractor-grower relationships — manage ongoing client accounts by coordinating labor supply, resolving service issues, and adapting crews to changing field conditions.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational payroll and compliance strategy — establish firm-wide wage payment systems and audit controls using integrated ERP and accounting platforms to eliminate legal exposure.
  2. Worker welfare standards — set and enforce company-wide policies for sanitation, hydration, and field conditions that exceed minimum regulatory requirements across all contracted sites.
  3. Strategic recruitment infrastructure — build referral networks, partnerships with labor-sending communities, and digital recruitment pipelines to sustain multi-season workforce supply.
  4. Foreman leadership development — design training programs and performance evaluation systems that cultivate supervisory talent within the contracting organization.
  5. Organizational labor productivity — establish performance benchmarks and incentive structures that drive efficiency improvements across the full contracted workforce.
  6. Capital equipment planning — direct multi-season tool and equipment investment decisions to optimize operational readiness and reduce per-worker costs at scale.
  7. Enterprise financial management — lead budgeting, pricing strategy, and profitability analysis for a farm labor contracting business serving multiple agricultural sectors.
  8. Industry labor relations — represent the contracting organization in negotiations with grower associations, labor advocates, and regulatory agencies on workforce policy matters.
  9. Regulatory affairs leadership — guide organizational response to new agricultural labor legislation by developing internal compliance frameworks and training across all staff levels.
  10. Organizational culture and integrity — model and institutionalize ethical standards, dependability, and stress-resilient leadership practices that define the contracting firm's reputation in the agricultural community.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Basic worker record queries — uses an AI chatbot to draft simple payroll summaries and look up wage compliance thresholds for contracted farm laborers, reviewing all outputs before acting on them.
Developing
  1. Recruitment outreach drafting — directs an AI writing tool to produce bilingual job postings and worker communication templates, then edits for accuracy and local labor market conditions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Schedule and task assignment support — feeds crew size and harvest timeline data into an AI tool to generate preliminary work schedules, which foremen then adjust based on field conditions WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Payroll data analysis — applies AI-assisted spreadsheet tools to cross-check hours, deductions, and wage rates across contracted workers, catching discrepancies before disbursement WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Compliance documentation generation — prompts an AI assistant to assemble field sanitation, drinking water, and worker housing checklists aligned with current regulations, personally verifying regulatory accuracy before deployment Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Personnel pipeline management — uses AI-driven applicant tracking outputs to prioritize recruitment leads and filter worker availability, while retaining all final hiring decisions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Workforce analytics reporting — integrates AI data analysis tools to model labor cost projections, crew productivity trends, and seasonal demand patterns, translating outputs into actionable staffing strategies presented to agricultural clients WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Regulatory risk flagging — configures an AI monitoring workflow to surface changes in agricultural labor law and worker classification rules, then synthesizes findings into updated contractor policies and foreman briefings Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Speaking
Score: 48.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication9 statements
Emerging
  1. Basic worker instruction — conveys task assignments and field rules to agricultural laborers using simple, direct language in bilingual or multilingual field settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Wage information relay — communicates pay rates and deduction details to contracted farm workers during onboarding or payroll distribution O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Foreman coordination — relays task priorities, safety protocols, and schedule changes to employed foremen who manage direct worker contact in field operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Recruitment communication — presents employment terms, housing conditions, and field expectations to prospective agricultural workers in their primary language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multilingual field communication — delivers work instructions, safety briefings, and sanitation standards clearly to diverse agricultural crews across language barriers in crop production environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grower-contractor negotiation — articulates labor availability, crew capabilities, and contract terms to farm operators using precise agricultural and production language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Grievance response — listens actively to worker complaints regarding wages, conditions, or treatment and communicates resolution steps transparently within regulatory constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-cultural communication leadership — develops standardized multilingual communication materials for onboarding, safety, and compliance that become adopted across multiple contractor operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder communication mastery — presents labor supply plans, compliance status, and workforce performance data to growers, government inspectors, and labor advocates with authority and precision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Task direction — assigns daily field duties to individual farm workers under foreman guidance while learning crew supervision expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Basic foreman oversight — monitors foremen's direct interactions with workers to ensure task assignments align with grower specifications O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Crew accountability — holds foremen and crew leads responsible for attendance, task completion, and work rule enforcement across assigned field operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Worker welfare coordination — takes initiative to ensure contracted laborers receive food, drinking water, and sanitation facilities as required by labor law and contract terms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-crew leadership — directs multiple foremen and agricultural crews across simultaneous harvest or planting operations, maintaining productivity and compliance standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Workforce mobilization — leads the full cycle of recruiting, hiring, deploying, and supervising seasonal agricultural labor forces to meet grower timelines and crop demands O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Tool and resource stewardship — takes ownership of furnishing, tracking, and maintaining tools and equipment distributed to contracted workers across field sites Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Contractor enterprise leadership — builds and sustains a structured labor contracting organization with defined roles for foremen, recruiters, and compliance staff that consistently delivers reliable agricultural workforces Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Industry mentorship — mentors emerging farm labor contractors in crew management, legal compliance, and ethical labor practices, elevating standards across the regional agricultural labor market Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-assessment of language gaps — recognizes personal limitations in communicating with workers whose primary language differs and seeks interpreter support or language development opportunities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scheduling reflection — reviews past crew deployment decisions to identify what caused delays or mismatches between labor supply and grower demand Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Compliance learning monitoring — tracks personal understanding of evolving labor laws and licensing requirements, identifying gaps that require additional study or legal consultation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Recruitment strategy evaluation — assesses which recruitment channels and messaging approaches yield the most reliable agricultural worker candidates and adjusts methods accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Operational decision review — systematically evaluates post-season contracting outcomes, including wage accuracy, worker retention, and grower satisfaction, to refine future planning strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Bias awareness in hiring — monitors personal decision-making patterns in worker recruitment and crew assignment to ensure selections are based on skill and availability rather than assumptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic self-development planning — constructs a deliberate professional development plan addressing gaps in labor law knowledge, financial management, and multilingual communication to sustain contractor licensure and business growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning facilitation — creates structured after-action review processes for the contracting operation that convert seasonal field experience into documented best practices for foremen and staff Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Basic workforce sizing — estimates the number of workers needed for a crop task by evaluating acreage, harvest timelines, and available labor pool information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem identification — recognizes when worker absenteeism, equipment shortages, or field conditions are creating production risks and flags issues to foremen or growers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Compliance risk analysis — evaluates contractor licensing requirements, wage and hour regulations, and field sanitation standards to identify legal exposure before deploying crews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Worker eligibility assessment — analyzes documentation and eligibility information during hiring to determine legal work authorization within applicable regulatory frameworks O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Labor cost-benefit analysis — weighs crew size, pay rates, transportation costs, and grower contract terms to determine whether a labor contract is financially viable and operationally sound Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field condition judgment — evaluates weather, crop readiness, and equipment availability to decide whether to deploy, delay, or reassign crews across multiple farm sites Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Dispute evidence evaluation — examines wage records, time logs, and worker testimony to form reasoned judgments when resolving pay disputes or compliance complaints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic labor market analysis — synthesizes regional crop production cycles, immigration patterns, housing availability, and wage trends to forecast labor supply constraints and develop proactive workforce strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory interpretation leadership — analyzes new or ambiguous labor law provisions and develops operational policies that protect workers and the contracting business while maintaining grower relationships Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Grower relationship initiation — participates in initial planning meetings with farm operators to understand crop timelines, task requirements, and labor expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Foreman team integration — works alongside newly employed foremen to align on task assignment methods and worker communication norms in the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multi-party coordination — collaborates with growers, foremen, housing providers, and transportation operators to synchronize the logistics of deploying seasonal agricultural crews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-cultural team navigation — manages group dynamics within ethnically and linguistically diverse agricultural crews by establishing shared norms for task completion and mutual respect Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Contractor-grower partnership management — maintains ongoing collaborative relationships with multiple farm operators, aligning labor supply commitments with production schedules across overlapping harvest windows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interagency cooperation — works constructively with labor department inspectors, occupational safety officials, and worker advocacy organizations to address compliance findings and improve crew conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Regional labor network building — establishes formal and informal collaborative networks with other contractors, agricultural associations, and community organizations to stabilize regional farm labor supply and share compliance resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Workforce development partnerships — co-designs training programs with agricultural extension services, community colleges, or nonprofit organizations to build skill capacity among contracted farm workers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Wage transparency — accurately discloses pay rates, deductions, and payment schedules to workers at the time of hiring without misrepresentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Basic worker dignity — treats contracted agricultural laborers with respect regardless of immigration status, language, or skill level during daily field interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Regulatory accountability — maintains required contractor licenses and certifications and discloses them to workers and growers as required by federal and state law Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest field conditions reporting — accurately represents housing, sanitation, and field conditions to prospective workers rather than overstating amenities to secure recruitment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical labor sourcing — refuses to recruit or deploy workers through coercive, deceptive, or exploitative means, even when competitive pressure or grower demands create incentives to cut corners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Payroll integrity — ensures accurate calculation and timely disbursement of wages to contracted farm workers, including proper overtime calculation and legally compliant deductions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict-of-interest management — discloses financial relationships with housing or transportation providers to workers and growers when those relationships affect the terms of employment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership modeling — establishes a contracting operation culture in which foremen and staff consistently uphold worker rights, wage accuracy, and legal compliance without direct supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy for worker protections — proactively engages with industry associations and policymakers to support fair labor standards in agricultural contracting, even when such positions create short-term business friction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Recruitment channel experimentation — tries new methods of reaching agricultural workers, such as community radio, mobile messaging, or community center outreach, when traditional recruitment falls short Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scheduling workaround generation — proposes alternative crew rotation or task sequencing ideas when weather or crop delays disrupt the original deployment plan Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multilingual onboarding material design — develops visual, translated, or audio-based onboarding materials that communicate safety and task expectations to workers with varying literacy levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incentive structure innovation — creates novel attendance, productivity, or retention incentives tailored to the needs and preferences of seasonal agricultural worker populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Labor supply solution design — develops creative arrangements such as shared crews, staggered harvest contracts, or cross-commodity worker placement to match fluctuating grower demand with available labor supply Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field logistics reimagination — redesigns transportation routes, tool distribution systems, or water provisioning logistics to reduce downtime and improve crew deployment efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Business model innovation — creates new contracting service offerings, such as bundled compliance consulting, worker skill certification, or year-round labor retention programs, that differentiate the operation in competitive agricultural markets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology integration for workforce management — pilots and adapts digital scheduling, payroll, or communication tools to agricultural labor contracting contexts where such tools were not previously used Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Regulatory learning orientation — approaches new labor law requirements as opportunities to improve the operation rather than obstacles, seeking out training and compliance resources proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — accepts corrective input from growers, foremen, or compliance inspectors about crew performance or working conditions without becoming defensive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Seasonal performance learning — reviews end-of-season outcomes including worker retention rates, grower satisfaction, and compliance records to identify specific skills to develop before the next cycle Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Language skill development — pursues growth in the primary language of the dominant worker population served, recognizing that improved language proficiency expands leadership effectiveness in the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Regulatory change adaptation — responds to changes in agricultural labor law, visa programs, or pesticide safety standards by updating operational practices and retraining staff rather than resisting compliance demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure analysis and recovery — when a crew deployment fails to meet grower expectations or a wage error occurs, diagnoses root causes and implements process corrections rather than attributing failure to external factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Industry learning leadership — participates in agricultural labor contractor associations, regulatory working groups, and cross-industry training programs to continuously upgrade expertise and bring new knowledge back to the operation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Growth culture cultivation — creates an operational environment where foremen and staff are expected and supported to learn from field mistakes, share lessons, and continuously improve crew management practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Situational attention in the field — maintains awareness of changing field conditions, worker fatigue signals, and safety hazards during crop operations rather than focusing solely on productivity targets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotion regulation during conflict — manages personal frustration when workers, foremen, or growers raise complaints, responding calmly rather than reactively in high-tension situations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional worker observation — deliberately observes the physical and emotional state of crew members during heat-intensive or physically demanding tasks to detect distress before it becomes a safety incident Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate decision pacing — pauses before making hiring, deployment, or disciplinary decisions under time pressure to ensure choices are based on available information rather than urgency alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Attentive compliance monitoring — maintains consistent present-moment awareness of field sanitation conditions, tool availability, and worker welfare standards throughout the workday rather than assuming conditions remain constant Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cultural sensitivity in daily interactions — approaches each interaction with workers from different cultural backgrounds with intentional awareness of how communication style, tone, and authority are perceived across cultural contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Stress management modeling — demonstrates composed, intentional leadership during peak harvest pressure, labor shortages, or compliance crises in ways that stabilize foremen and crew rather than amplifying anxiety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mindful organizational culture building — embeds practices such as daily safety check-ins, open feedback moments, and humane workday pacing into standard operations, creating a field environment where worker wellbeing is consistently centered Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adverse condition persistence — continues to fulfill worker provisioning and supervision responsibilities during difficult weather, crop delays, or logistical setbacks without abandoning crew welfare standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory pressure tolerance — maintains composure and continues operations when facing a labor inspection or compliance inquiry rather than reacting with avoidance or panic Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Labor shortage resilience — persists through tight labor market conditions by expanding recruitment networks and adjusting deployment strategies rather than defaulting to understaffed crews that compromise crop or worker outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Worker conflict endurance — works through prolonged grievance processes, wage disputes, or worker advocacy pressures without abandoning commitments to fair treatment or accurate recordkeeping Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-season operational resilience — sustains a functioning contracting operation across years of seasonal volatility, regulatory changes, immigration policy shifts, and agricultural market fluctuations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Physical and logistical hardship management — maintains effective oversight of field crews during extended harvest seasons involving long hours, remote locations, extreme heat, and rapid crew turnover Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Sustained advocacy under opposition — continues to advocate for worker rights, legal compliance, and fair wages even when grower clients, competitors, or economic pressures create sustained incentives to compromise standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis leadership — guides the contracting operation and its workforce through major disruptions such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks affecting field workers, or sudden regulatory enforcement actions with resolve and adaptive decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors42 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Farm Contractor · Farm Crew Leader · Farm Crew Member · Farm Labor Contractor · Farm Sanitation Employee · Field Contractor · Field Crop Harvest Contractor · Field Manager · Field Supervisor · Harvest Contractor · Harvesting Contractor
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
SpeakingActive ListeningManagement of Personnel ResourcesTime ManagementCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingCoordination
Knowledge domains
Foreign LanguageFood ProductionMathematicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingLaw and Government
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionProblem SensitivityNear Vision
Work styles
Leadership OrientationDependabilityStress ToleranceAttention to DetailIntegritySelf-Control
Technology
Accounting softwareData base user interface and query softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareDocument management softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Pay wages of contracted farm laborers.
  2. Provide food, drinking water, and field sanitation facilities to contracted workers.
  3. Recruit and hire agricultural workers.
  4. Employ foremen to deal directly with workers when recruiting, hiring, instructing, assigning tasks, and enforcing work rules.
  5. Supervise the work of contracted employees.
  6. Furnish tools for employee use.
CIP education codes
09.090650.100150.100250.109952.020201.0105

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.