Job Title: Youth Agricultural Support Worker
Department: Feedyard Operations
Reports To: Feedyard Supervisor / Designated Adult Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Ag Exempt

Position Summary:

This entry-level, part-time, non-benefit eligible position is designed for youth aged 14 to 17 and aligns with federal and state child labor laws in CO, AZ, ID, TX, KS, and OK. The Youth Agricultural Support Worker assists with general, non-hazardous duties at a feedyard facility, including livestock care support, basic yard maintenance, clerical assistance, and supervised operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with feeding and watering livestock under supervision, excluding hazardous animal handling tasks.
• Perform non-mechanical cleaning and maintenance (e.g., sweeping, hosing down/off areas, yardwork, fencing repair assistance).
• Help with sorting, organizing, labeling, or preparing feed packaging materials.
• Assist with basic landscaping (e.g., raking, watering, weeding, fence painting) in non-restricted areas.
• Perform non-hazardous clerical work such as filing, data entry, or inventory checking.
• Escort animals within pens or alleys under close adult supervision; no horseback riding or motorized vehicle use.
• Participate in safety briefings; follow all safety signage and directions; wear required PPE.
• May assist with recordkeeping or educational tasks related to feed operations.

Qualifications:

• Must be 14 to 17 years old with valid work permit if required by state law
• Ability to follow instructions, observe safety rules, and work cooperatively
• Interest in animals, farming, or agricultural work is a plus
• Strong reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail
• Basic computer or clerical skills helpful

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally
• Tolerance for working outdoors in dusty or hot/cold environments
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods
• You must wear protective gear (gloves, boots, eyewear, etc.) as directed

Prohibited Tasks (Per Federal and State Law):

Youth in this role will not perform or be near:

• Tractors or PTO-driven machinery (unless exempt under a training certificate for 16–17-year-olds).
• Operation or cleaning of power-driven equipment (e.g., forklifts, grinders, augers, conveyors).
• Entry into grain bins, silos, manure pits, or elevated confined spaces.
• Handling or exposure to hazardous chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or medications.
• Operation of chainsaws, circular saws, hoists, or power tools.
• Working from ladders, scaffolding, or near hazardous feed processing systems.
• Driving vehicles or operating ATVs, UTVs, or farm trucks.

Compliance Statement:

This position is designed to meet all federal and state child labor requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. All tasks will be assigned with safety, supervision, and age-appropriateness in mind.

State

Work Permit Required?

How to Obtain

Colorado (CO)

Yes (if under 16)

Minor must obtain a “Request for Child Labor” form from CDLE. Submit with proof of age and job description. Link

Arizona (AZ)

No

Work permits not required, but employers must verify age and comply with hour restrictions. Link

Idaho (ID)

No

Work permits not required; parental consent strongly recommended. Employers must follow FLSA standards. Link

Texas (TX)

Yes (if under 16)

Must provide proof of age (birth certificate or school record). Employer must retain proof on file. Link

Kansas (KS)

Yes (under 16 and not emancipated)

School official issues permit or contact Kansas Department of Labor. Link

Oklahoma (OK)

Yes (if under 16)

Must obtain a work permit from school or local school district office; employer keeps copy on file. Link

?? Employers must keep records of age, hours worked, and job duties for all minor employees. Some states require parent/guardian and school approval before hiring minors, even for agricultural work.