If donations and partner sponsorships are Farm Rescue’s fuel, volunteers are the engine. We’re only as good as our people, so know we’re highly selective. Are you experienced in any of the farm and ranch operations we assist with and have a strong desire to help families in need? We invite you to apply.
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old in order to volunteer.
The more experience you have operating farm equipment, the better. Specifically, we need volunteers who have experience operating late-model tractors, planters, and combines using GPS technology, as well as experience operating grain carts and semis. Occasionally, Farm Rescue requests volunteer support for activities such as transporting vehicles or assisting with office-related tasks, but the majority of our volunteer efforts take place in the field or on the road.
First and foremost, you will be representing Farm Rescue and must conduct yourself in a courteous and professional manner. First-time volunteers receive training from experienced volunteers on how to operate the planting unit or combine. Generally, experienced volunteers operate the equipment the majority of the time, until a newcomer has proven his/her ability and skills. Other duties while actively volunteering may include moving equipment, servicing equipment, hauling grain, or operating other farm machinery (grain cart, truck, semi, etc.).
Initially, you will be asked to fill out a volunteer application form and are required to read and sign a Volunteer Release & Indemnity Agreement. (This agreement releases Farm Rescue from all personal injury or property liability should an accident occur. It also permits Farm Rescue to use photographs/interviews taken of you.) You will also be required to upload a copy of your driver’s license and read and sign our Operational Rules, Field Guide, and Talking Points, as well as watch two introductory videos.
Once each year, before being assigned to a case, you will also be asked to consent to a background check.
Once actively volunteering, you will be responsible for filling out a daily work log. All paperwork and receipts must be turned into the Farm Rescue office upon completion.
We generally ask for at least a one-week commitment but are willing to try and work with your schedule.
You will not be working alone (unless you are a CDL volunteer supporting a short-term hay hauling campaign). Volunteers are assigned to a crew and farm location. Our crews range from two to five people, depending upon the season.
Volunteers who are coming from out of state are responsible for their lodging and meals to and from the region. Once in the service region, Farm Rescue will pay for all lodging and make reservations for you. Depending on the farm location, lodging is sometimes limited to a small-town motel. If the need arises in which you have to pay for any of your lodging, Farm Rescue will reimburse you for those expenses.
Farm Rescue will also pay for your meals (up to $45/day). Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement.
No.
Typically, your vehicle will not be needed once you are here. We will make sure your vehicle is parked in a safe location. Farm Rescue has various pickup trucks that are used for travel to and from farm sites. In the rare instance that you would need to drive your vehicle to and from a farm site, Farm Rescue will reimburse you for any fuel expenses incurred.
Farm Rescue will provide you with a Farm Rescue jacket, shirts, and a cap that you will be required to wear while actively volunteering. You will need to bring all other attire such as gloves, jeans, work boots, etc. Depending on your location, you may or may not be close to laundromat facility.
You do not need to bring any field supplies with you. Farm Rescue will provide you with safety glasses and vests, masks, earplugs, a flashlight in each vehicle, and any other necessary tools to perform your job.
Unfortunately, the weather tends to interfere quite frequently. If there are no other volunteer duties that can be done at that time, you may end up spending your day in a motel room or going home early.
Yes. The majority of our volunteers enjoy their experience and request to volunteer in the future. We cannot, however, guarantee a volunteer spot for you every season. The number of volunteers we have each season is based on our needs at that particular time.
For liability reasons, Farm Rescue does not allow anyone other than volunteers to ride along in the equipment.
Only authorized visitors are allowed at operational field sites. Authorized visitors include Farm Rescue staff and board members, delivery personnel, business partner representatives, and members of the media. Friends and/or family members may make occasional, brief visits as long as they are in compliance with Farm Rescue policy and do not impact operations or present a safety hazard. Minors (anyone under age 18), including children/grandchildren of volunteers, must be accompanied by an adult other than the volunteer and may not visit the site without prior authorization.
Yes. Most volunteers of Farm Rescue bring their own personal cell phones. This works well for communicating with other volunteers working in the field and with the Farm Rescue office. On occasion, the farm location can be very remote, and you may be in an area with no cell phone service.
No.
Have questions or need help with your Volunteer application? Please contact us at info@farmrescue.org.
P.O. Box 28
Horace, ND 58047
(701) 252-2017
info@farmrescue.org
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM through 5:00 PM
