Harvesting farm worker Needed in Canada by Pristine Prairie Organics

Work site environment

• Hay farming

Work setting

• Staff accommodation available
• Rural area

Job Responsibilities:

1. Harvesting Crops:

   • Collect fruits, vegetables, or grains at their peak ripeness or maturity.
   • Use proper techniques to ensure crops are harvested without damage (e.g., hand-picking, using appropriate tools).
   • Work quickly and efficiently to meet daily or weekly harvest quotas.

2. Sorting and Grading:

   • Sort harvested crops based on size, quality, and ripeness.
   • Remove any damaged or substandard produce.
   • Ensure only the highest-quality produce is packed for shipping or storage.

3. Packing:

   • Pack harvested crops into boxes, crates, or containers for distribution or storage.
   • Label and organize packed produce, ensuring it meets industry standards.
   • Ensure that the packaging process maintains the integrity and freshness of the crops.

4. Field Maintenance:

   • Assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the fields or orchards during and after the harvest.
   • Remove any fallen fruit, weeds, or debris from the field to keep the area safe and clean.
   • Ensure safety by reporting any hazards or unsafe working conditions in the field.

5. Operating Equipment:

   • Use tools or machinery (like harvesters or forklifts) to aid in the collection and transportation of crops.
   • Follow safety procedures when using equipment to minimize accidents.

6. Transportation of Crops:

   • Transport harvested produce from the fields to packing areas, storage, or loading docks.
   • Ensure proper handling during transport to prevent damage to the produce.

7. Crop Quality Control:

   • Monitor and report any signs of disease, pest infestation, or crop damage during the harvest.
   • Assist with maintaining the freshness and shelf life of harvested crops by ensuring they are properly stored.

8. Record-Keeping:

   • Track the amount of produce harvested and report to supervisors for inventory management.
   • Follow farm protocols for recording harvest yields, timing, and quality checks.

Tasks

• Plant, cultivate and irrigate crops
• Fertilize and spray crops
• Harvest crops
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
• Perform general farm duties
• Ensure farm safety and bio-security procedures are followed

Experience and specialization

Equipment and machinery experience

• Haying equipment

Additional information

Personal suitability

• Team player

Skills & Qualifications:

• Physical Stamina: Ability to work long hours, including bending, squatting, and lifting during harvest seasons.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to pick crops carefully to avoid damage and to sort and grade produce accurately.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with other farm workers and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently.
• Knowledge of Crops: Understanding of different crops’ growth patterns, ideal harvest times, and the handling of specific crops (e.g., fruit vs. vegetables).
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of proper safety protocols when handling equipment or working with crops.

Experience:

• Previous experience in farm work, especially harvesting, is often preferred.
• Training may be provided for workers without prior agricultural experience.

Work Environment:

• Outdoor work, often in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.).
• Work is seasonal, typically ramping up during harvest time, and may involve early mornings or extended hours to meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• The role can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, carrying, bending, squatting, and standing for long periods.
• Workers may need to carry or lift heavy containers of produce, typically weighing between 10-40 lbs.