Job Title: fruit farm worker
Location: Middle LaHave, Nova Scotia
Shift: Morning, Night, Overnight
Wage: $20.00 per hour

Education

• No degree, certificate or diploma

Work site environment

• Floriculture production
• Fruit and vegetable combination farming
• Organic farming
• Outdoors
• Wet / damp
• Cold / refrigerated

Work setting

• Rural area

Tasks

• Apply fertilizers
• Cut agricultural crops
• Hand harvesting vegetables
• Pack fruits and vegetables
• Pick row and orchard crops
• Plant, cultivate and irrigate crops
• Sort fruits and vegetables
• Tie and secure plants
• Weeding
• Clean work area
• Fertilize and spray crops
  Harvest crops
• Load, unload and transfer crates, supplies and farm produce, livestock and poultry
• Examine product for quality and its readiness for the market

Type of crops

• Bell peppers
• Blueberries
• Cucumbers
• Field berries
• Garlic
• Orchard fruit
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Zucchinis
• Berries
• Vegetables

Equipment and machinery experience

• Fruit harvester
• Planting equipment
• Hand tools

Security and safety

• Bondable

Transportation / travel information

• Valid driver’s licence
• Own transportation
• Public transportation is not available

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Ability to work independently
• Fast-paced environment
• Repetitive tasks
• Handling heavy loads
• Physically demanding
• Manual dexterity
• Hand-eye co-ordination
• Ability to distinguish between colours
• Attention to detail
• Standing for extended periods
• Bending, crouching, kneeling
• Sitting
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Walking

Weight handling

• Up to 23 kg (50 lbs)

Personal suitability

• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Flexibility
• Judgement
• Organized
• Reliability
• Team player
• Values and ethics
• Quick learner

Screening questions

• Are you available for the advertised start date?
• Are you currently a student?
• Are you currently legally able to work in Canada?
• Do you currently reside in proximity to the advertised location?
• Do you have previous experience in this field of employment?

Experience

• Experience an asset

Other benefits

• Free parking available
• Other benefits

Support for youths

• Participates in a government or community program or initiative that supports youth employment
• Offers on-the-job training tailored to youth
• Offers mentorship, coaching and / or networking opportunities for youth
• Provides awareness training to employees to create a welcoming work environment for youth

what skills and qualities are important for a fruit farm worker?

Working on a fruit farm requires a unique set of skills and qualities to ensure efficient and successful operations. Here are some important skills and qualities for a fruit farm worker:

• Physical Fitness: Fruit farming often involves manual labor, including lifting, bending, and standing for long periods. Being physically fit is essential to handle the demands of the job.
• Attention to Detail: Fruit farm workers need to pay close attention to detail when harvesting fruits to ensure that only ripe and high-quality produce is picked.
• Knowledge of Horticulture: Understanding basic principles of horticulture, such as planting, pruning, and pest management, is important for maintaining healthy fruit trees and plants.
• Ability to Follow Instructions: Following instructions from farm supervisors or managers is crucial to ensure that tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
• Time Management Skills: Fruit harvesting often has tight schedules, especially during peak seasons. Effective time management skills are important to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Teamwork Skills: Fruit farm workers frequently work as part of a team, especially during harvest seasons. Being able to collaborate effectively with coworkers is essential for smooth operations.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with supervisors and coworkers is important for coordinating tasks, sharing information about crop conditions, and addressing any issues that arise.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Fruit farming can present various challenges, such as pest infestations, weather-related issues, or equipment malfunctions. Being able to identify problems and propose solutions is valuable in such situations.
• Basic Mechanical Skills: Some knowledge of basic mechanical tasks, such as operating and maintaining farm equipment like tractors and pruning tools, may be required.
• Adaptability: Fruit farming often involves working in outdoor environments with changing weather conditions. Being adaptable and able to work in different conditions is important for fruit farm workers.
• Understanding of Food Safety Practices: Awareness of food safety practices and regulations is crucial, especially when handling harvested fruits to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Reliability and Dependability: Fruit farm workers need to be reliable and dependable, showing up for scheduled shifts and completing tasks on time to ensure the smooth functioning of the farm.

These skills and qualities may vary depending on the specific type of fruit being grown and the practices of the farm, but they provide a good foundation for success in the role of a fruit farm worker

Who can apply to this job?

The employer accepts applications from:

• Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.

How to apply