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
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add availability (season dates), preferred provinces, and any farm/greenhouse experience.
- 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).