WHAT TYPES OF POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
TRAINEE
If you are young, speak good English, grew up on a farm or have an agricultural degree and less than 2 years of farming experience or most of your experience was at smaller farms and you do not have experience operating large farming equipment, but you are willing to learn, this type of positions might fit you the best. Normally, this type of applicants will start with a lower wage with a possibility of increase when you learn new skills. A can do attitude, willingness to continuously learn and improve oneself would be desired. Majority of jobs will be on grain or mixed farms, however we do have some openings at dairy, hog and vegetable farms.
GENERAL FARM WORKER (GRAIN OR MIXED FARM)
These positions are for applicants that have at least 2 years of experience working on a grain or mixed farms either in their home countries or in the USA and committed to build a long-term career in agriculture. This type of applicants would have experience operating a variety of large farming equipment (tractors, sprayers, air-seeders), commercial driver’s license and mechanical and welding skills. Good communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills would be a great asset.
HERDSPERSON
The job duties include all aspects of taking care of cattle such as handling cattle, feeding, checking pens, branding, assisting with calving and vaccination. Workers are also involved in maintenance and repair of corrals, maintaining fences, operating and minor maintenance of farming equipment used for cattle feeding, tractors, feed wagons, hay wagons etc.. Most of this type of jobs will be at beef or cattle farms (feedlot or ranch type), however we have some occasional openings at dairy or hog farms.
FARM SUPERVISOR OR FARM MANAGER
This position requires at least five years’ experience and relevant qualifications. Ability to work with minimal supervision from the farm owners. Candidate will be responsible for meeting farm goals, managing other farm employees, coordinating, overseeing and carrying out farm activities as assigned by the farm owners.
FOR HOW LONG CAN I COME TO CANADA?
SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT: 6-8 MONTHS
Placement usually lasts from April to November, the worker can return to the same employer for a number of years or seasons. This position is typical for a grain farm. The employee can be converted into permanent and apply for Permanent Residency if he meets the criteria.
TEMPORARY: 2 YEARS
The contract can be extended following a mutual agreement with the farm owner.
PERMANENT: NO FIXED TERM
You work for your employer as long as you both mutually agree on.
WHAT ARE THE WORKING CONDITIONS?
WAGE
Starting wage: between 18 to 25 CAD per hour. Depending on your skills level and type of job, there might be a wage review after 3, 6 or 12 months of employment
HOURS
Working hours vary depending on the season and the size of the farm. You might be working 12-16 hours per day during seeding and harvesting and only 2-4 hours in winter. Overtime hours are usually paid at a regular rate as farming operations are exempt from paying overtime rates as per provincial labour laws.
You may also have an option to bank your accumulated overtime hours and use them during downtime. Banking of overtime hours should be discussed and agreed upon in writing with your employer.
TAXES
The average tax rate is between 20% to 27% and varies depending on your gross income and whether you have a family. You might be eligible for some tax allowances and some of the taxes you paid may be returned at the end of the tax year.
TRAVEL
Depending on the type of program you are coming to Canada and your starting wage, your flight to Canada might be covered by the employer. For example, for foreign workers that come to Canada under the temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) and whose wage is less than 24.55 CAD$\per hour (for Saskatchewan employers), it is employer's responsibility to cover the cost of the flight to Canada and back and the costs cannot be deducted from the employees' wages.
HEALTHCARE
For the workers coming to Saskatchewan, you and your family members will be covered by Provincial Health Insurance from the first day of arrival and it is free. Many employers also offer additional health benefits (dental coverage, disability insurance etc.)
For workers coming to other provinces, the coverage may start after up months after their arrival in Canada.
ACCOMMODATION
There will be a place for you to stay when you arrive. The type of accommodation will depend on your needs and the kind of arrangements agreed upon with your employer. If you come for a seasonal work (6-8 months), you may stay in a trailer or a mobile home for a free or at a subsidized rate of 250 to 450 CAD per month, but if you come for 2 years, it may be best to rent a house or an apartment. The cost of rent varies between 650 and 950 CAD per month depending on the size of the town, number of bedrooms etc.
WHAT CRITERIA DO I HAVE TO MEET TO QUALIFY?
You must have a valid passport for at least two more years.
You must have no criminal record
You and your family members must be in good health
You must be able to prove you have farming experience. Minimum of 1 or 2 years’ experience is required and this can be proven by work reference or employment confirmation letters from your past or current employers.
If you come under provincial immigration program, you will be required to pass the English language test (IELTS) and also complete a number of application forms, detailing addresses where you lived, what you did for the past 10 years and your travel history.