MaViAl

Vegetable & Flower Picker Jobs in Canada

Sector: Agriculture & Food Processing · Typical gross pay: 16–23 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec (seasonal)

CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Last updated: January 1, 2026
Page: /vegetable-flower-picker.html
Seasonal demand Field & greenhouse options Quality checks & packing tasks Safety & hygiene standards

At a glance

Pay model
Hourly (gross) is common; some farms use piece-rate for peak harvest.
Schedule
Typically 35–55 hours/week, weather & crop-dependent. Weekends may apply.
Work settings
Outdoor fields, greenhouses, and packing sheds (project-dependent).
This page describes a typical role profile. Final tasks, site rules, and schedules depend on the employer and province.

Hiring story

What employers actually need

Vegetable and flower operations often hire in waves: planting and greenhouse prep, peak harvest, then packing and quality sorting for shipment. Employers value people who can keep a steady pace, follow hygiene rules, and maintain consistent quality—especially when crops must be picked at the right maturity stage.

Anti-duplicate note: this “hiring story” is written specifically for picker work (timing, quality, pace), not reused across unrelated roles.

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Field picking

  • Pick vegetables or cut flowers to grade and size requirements; avoid damage and contamination.
  • Sort by quality, remove defects, and place product into crates/totes according to line rules.
  • Move filled containers to collection points; keep rows and work areas organized.

Greenhouse & packing shed support

  • Pack, label, weigh, and count items; perform basic quality checks before dispatch.
  • Clean stations and tools; follow food safety/hygiene practices if working around produce handling lines.
  • Simple support tasks: trimming, bundling, grading, and staging pallets (site-specific).

Requirements & skills

What matters most

Must-have

  • Ability to do repetitive physical work (standing, walking, bending, carrying light-to-moderate loads).
  • Reliability and punctuality for early starts and time-sensitive harvest windows.
  • Basic communication in English (A2+ is helpful for safety briefings and line instructions).
  • Willingness to follow site rules: hygiene, safe lifting, tool handling, and pace requirements.

Nice-to-have

  • Previous farm / greenhouse / packing line experience.
  • Comfort working outdoors in changing weather (where applicable).
  • Experience with basic hand tools (shears/knives) and careful handling of fragile product.

Pay (gross) & what affects your rate

Canada-specific context

Typical gross range

16–23 CAD/hour (indicative; varies by province, employer, and season).

Common rate drivers

Province minimums, productivity expectations, piece-rate vs hourly, seniority/returning-worker status, and overtime rules.

Gross pay means before statutory deductions. Overtime rules vary by province and employer policy; premium rates may apply after defined weekly thresholds.

Working conditions in Canada

Practical realities (neutral, non-promissory)

  • Hours: Often 35–55 hours/week depending on crop timing, weather, and shipping deadlines.
  • Overtime: Where applicable, premiums are typically calculated after provincial thresholds (policy-dependent).
  • Breaks: Rest and meal breaks are set by local standards and site policy.
  • Safety: Orientation is standard; expect rules on lifting, sharp tools, hydration, and protective equipment.
  • PPE/tools: Employers may provide basic PPE; some sites ask workers to bring suitable work clothing/boots.
  • Accommodation/transport: Sometimes offered for seasonal projects; terms and deductions (if any) are employer-specific.
  • Deductions: Statutory deductions apply; additional deductions (if any) must follow employer policy and local rules.

Documents & eligibility (legal work in Canada)

General guidance (no external links)

  • Work authorization: You must have the legal right to work in Canada (e.g., an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit).
  • Identity documents: Valid passport and any documents required by the employer/permit process.
  • Site checks: Some employers may request background checks, references, or proof of experience for safety-sensitive tasks.
  • Basic readiness: Ability to attend safety briefings and follow hygiene procedures in produce handling areas.

Candidate portrait

Quick self-check before you apply

You are a good fit if you…

  • Keep a steady pace without sacrificing quality (sorting, gentle handling, correct grading).
  • Are comfortable with repetitive work (standing, bending, walking, light lifting).
  • Can start early and show up consistently during peak weeks.
  • Follow hygiene and safety rules (handwashing, clean zones, tool handling).
  • Accept seasonal variability (hours can change with weather and harvest timing).
  • Communicate simply in English to understand instructions and report issues.

This role is not for you if you…

  • ×
    Need a fixed 9–5 schedule with guaranteed hours every week.
  • ×
    Are unable to do repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.
  • ×
    Prefer work that does not involve strict hygiene/quality routines.
  • ×
    Do not have (or cannot obtain) legal work authorization for Canada.

How to apply (CV-first)

Short, practical process

  1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Add availability (season dates), preferred provinces, and any farm/greenhouse experience.
  3. Submit. We contact shortlisted candidates if a matching project is available.

Please avoid adding unverifiable claims to your CV. Focus on measurable experience (seasons worked, line tasks, pace, quality responsibilities).

FAQ

Is a CV required?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

Is pay hourly or piece-rate?

Many employers use hourly gross pay. During peak harvest, some farms may use piece-rate or productivity-based targets. The pay model is employer-specific.

Do employers provide accommodation?

Some seasonal projects provide accommodation or help with arrangements. Availability, standards, and any deductions vary by employer and must be confirmed per project.

Do I need experience?

Experience helps, but many sites train reliable workers. What matters most is consistency, careful handling, and following safety and hygiene rules.

What documents do I need to work legally in Canada?

You must have the legal right to work in Canada (for example, an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit), plus valid identity documents required by the employer and local rules.