Food Processing Worker Jobs in Canada
Sector: Agriculture & Food Processing · Typical gross pay: 17–27 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia
Role summary
This page describes a typical Food Processing Worker role in Canada (food plants, packing facilities, and distribution-adjacent production sites). Day-to-day tasks depend on the product (meat, poultry, bakery, dairy, produce, ready meals) and on the line setup (manual vs semi-automated).
How to apply
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add your availability, preferred province, and any relevant certificates
- Submit your application — shortlisted candidates are contacted
Hiring reality
Why employers typically hire for this role
Many Canadian food plants hire continuously because production runs follow retail demand and seasonal peaks. When a line expands (new SKU, higher packaging volume, additional shift), employers need reliable operators who can keep pace, follow hygiene rules, and work safely around machinery.
This role is often recruited when facilities move from one-shift operations to two-shift coverage or when peak periods require overtime coverage. Strong candidates are those who can learn standardized work quickly, maintain product quality, and stay consistent on repetitive tasks.
Food processing hiring is driven by throughput targets and strict quality checks. Employers look for stable attendance, basic communication skills on the floor, and a safety-first mindset—especially in cold environments, wet areas, and near conveyors and cutting/packing equipment.
Typical gross pay & what drives it
Practical ranges and common pay factors
| Typical gross hourly range | What usually affects the rate |
|---|---|
| 17–20 CAD/hour | Entry-level packaging/line support, basic tasks, initial training period |
| 20–24 CAD/hour | Experienced line work, higher pace, multi-station flexibility, strong quality compliance |
| 24–27 CAD/hour | Lead/relief roles, specialized tasks, union sites or roles with higher responsibility (site-dependent) |
Pay drivers (typical)
- Province & local labor market: wage bands differ across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
- Shift premiums: evening/night premiums are common on multi-shift sites (policy depends on employer).
- Overtime: overtime rules and rates depend on provincial regulation and employer practice.
- Union vs non-union: pay grids and classification rules may apply on unionized sites.
Day-to-day tasks in a food plant
What the job usually looks like
Production & packing
- Sorting, portioning, weighing, and packing products to spec
- Labeling, sealing, boxing, and palletizing finished goods
- Feeding materials to the line (trays, films, cartons) and keeping stations stocked
- Basic line checks (visual defects, correct labels, counts, seals)
Hygiene & compliance
- Following hygiene rules (hand washing, PPE, hair/beard nets, restricted items)
- Keeping the workstation clean and reporting spills or hazards immediately
- Documenting simple checks when required (temperature logs, batch/lot checks)
- Working safely near conveyors, cutters, and packing equipment
Specific duties vary by product category (meat/poultry/bakery/dairy/produce/ready meals) and by site layout.
Requirements & certifications
What employers commonly expect
Typical requirements
- Basic English for on-floor communication and safety instructions (level depends on site)
- Reliability and punctuality (plants run on fixed line schedules)
- Comfort with repetitive tasks and standing for long periods
- Ability to follow written/visual work instructions and quality rules
Nice-to-have
- Food Handler certificate (province/employer-specific)
- Experience with GMP/HACCP environments (or similar food safety standards)
- Basic equipment familiarity (conveyors, sealing machines, labelers, pallet jacks)
- Previous warehouse/production experience (packing, scanning, labeling)
Work conditions
Shifts, overtime, safety, and practical details
- Schedule: commonly day/evening/night shifts; rotation depends on site.
- Overtime: may be offered during peak periods; rules vary by province and employer policy.
- Environment: some areas are cold (refrigerated zones) or wet; PPE and safe footwear are often required.
- Training & probation: onboarding and a short performance ramp-up period are typical.
- Deductions (general): statutory deductions (e.g., taxes/CPP/EI) apply; union dues may apply on union sites.
- Accommodation/transport: depends on project and location; do not assume it is provided unless stated by the employer.
Do not overstate guaranteed hours or benefits in your application—employers confirm specifics per site and contract.
Documents & compliance for legal work in Canada
General requirements (site and program dependent)
Employers hire only candidates who can work in Canada legally. The exact pathway depends on your situation and the employer: open work permits allow broader employment, while employer-specific work permits tie work authorization to a specific employer/role.
| Commonly required | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Identity documents | Valid passport and any immigration/work authorization documents required for employment. |
| SIN (Social Insurance Number) | Typically needed for payroll and reporting once authorized to work. |
| Background checks (if required) | Some sites request a criminal record check depending on role/site rules. |
| Medical/fitness (site dependent) | May apply for specific environments or employer policies (not universal). |
Candidate snapshot
Fast self-check before you apply
You are a good fit if you…
- can maintain a steady pace on repetitive tasks without losing attention to detail
- follow hygiene rules and take food safety seriously
- are comfortable with shift schedules (including early/late starts if needed)
- work safely near moving equipment and keep your station organized
- communicate clearly about issues (labels, counts, defects, hazards)
- show up reliably and value consistent attendance
This role is not for you if you…
- dislike repetitive work or strict process rules
- are not willing to wear required PPE (nets, gloves, safety footwear, etc.)
- cannot tolerate cold or wet areas that may exist on some sites
- prefer unpredictable tasks over standardized work
Related roles in Agriculture & Food Processing
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Is this job suitable for beginners?
Often, yes. Many sites train entry-level workers for packing and line-support tasks. Your reliability and shift availability matter.
Is the pay shown net or gross?
The pay range on this page is gross (before statutory deductions). Net pay depends on your tax situation and payroll deductions.
Do I need a Food Handler certificate?
It depends on the employer and province. If you have one, include it in your CV; if not, some sites provide onboarding and hygiene training.
What locations are typical?
Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Exact sites depend on employer demand and seasonality.