Farm Worker, Tobacco at Mahler Farms – Join Our Agricultural Team
Introduction
Mahler Farms is seeking dedicated Farm Workers with tobacco experience to join our agricultural team in Brantford, Ontario. This seasonal position offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work in Canada’s thriving agricultural sector. We are particularly interested in skilled workers who are relocating to Canada or are already permanent residents or citizens.
About Mahler Farms
Mahler Farms is a well-established agricultural operation with a strong commitment to quality crop production and sustainable farming practices. We specialize in tobacco cultivation along with various other agricultural products. Our farm is located in the fertile agricultural region of Brantford, Ontario, where we maintain high standards for crop management and harvesting techniques.
Job Overview
As a Farm Worker specializing in tobacco production, you will be an essential part of our agricultural operations. This full-time seasonal position involves a variety of tasks related to tobacco cultivation, harvesting, and general farm maintenance. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and experience with farm equipment and agricultural practices.
Visa Information
Mahler Farms is committed to diversity in our workforce and welcomes applications from international candidates. However, all applicants must confirm their eligibility to work in Canada through appropriate visa or work permit arrangements. Our hiring team can provide information about work permit processes, but applicants are ultimately responsible for ensuring they have the necessary authorization to work in Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Our Farm Workers are responsible for a comprehensive range of agricultural tasks. You will be expected to apply the technique of hoeing between rows, clean crops thoroughly, and divide fresh harvested produce into marketable and non-marketable lots. Additionally, you will need to dose water saturation, light, and temperature as instructed for optimal crop growth and development. Monitoring and maintaining the health of crops is a critical part of this role.
Harvesting Operations
During the harvesting season, you will perform hand harvesting of vegetables and tobacco crops, grade produce according to size, shape, color, and volume to maximize market value, and sort fruits and vegetables based on quality standards. You will also be responsible for examining products for quality and readiness for market, ensuring only the best produce reaches our customers.
Equipment Operation
Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment is a significant part of this position. You will need to be proficient with farm trucks, loaders, tractors, vegetable harvesters, fertilizer applicators, lift trucks, planting equipment, sprayers or dusters, tillage equipment, and various hand tools. Proper maintenance and safe operation of all equipment is essential.
Crop Management
Crop management duties include planting, cultivating, and irrigating crops, fertilizing and spraying crops when necessary, and performing weeding operations. You will also be responsible for greenhouse cleaning, detecting disease and health problems in crops, and implementing appropriate treatment measures when issues arise.
Required Skills and Experience
Candidates for this position must have practical experience with various types of farm equipment and agricultural machinery. While formal education is not specified, hands-on experience in farming operations is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience with tobacco cultivation or similar crops, though we will consider applicants with general farm experience who are willing to learn specific tobacco farming techniques.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time seasonal position with flexible scheduling. You will be required to work during early morning, morning, day, evening, and weekend shifts as needed to accommodate the agricultural cycle. The position offers between 40 to 80 hours per week, with exact hours varying based on seasonal demands and crop cycles. The season is expected to begin as early as June 2, 2026.
Salary and Benefits
Mahler Farms offers competitive compensation at a rate of $17.60 per hour. While specific benefits are not detailed for this seasonal position, we provide a safe working environment, appropriate protective equipment, and opportunities for skill development in modern agricultural practices. Our farm is committed to fair labor practices and providing appropriate working conditions for all employees.
How to Apply
Who Can Apply for 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.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit your application through the Job Bank posting #3589569. Ensure you include details of your farming experience, particularly any experience with tobacco cultivation or similar crops. Be prepared to provide references from previous agricultural employers and demonstrate your familiarity with the equipment and responsibilities listed in this job posting.
Required Documentation
When applying, please have ready your resume or CV that highlights your agricultural experience, any relevant certifications or training related to farm equipment operation, and documentation confirming your eligibility to work in Canada if you are not already a citizen or permanent resident. International applicants should be prepared to discuss their work permit status during the interview process.
Work Location Details
The primary work location is Mahler Farms in La Salette, Ontario, with postal code N0E 1H0. All work is conducted on-site, with no remote or telecommuting options available. The farm is located in Brantford, Ontario, a city in southwestern Ontario known for its strong agricultural community and access to urban amenities while maintaining a rural lifestyle.
Employment Terms
This position is a seasonal, full-time employment arrangement. The contract period will align with the tobacco growing season, typically extending from planting through harvest. Employment is contingent on weather conditions and agricultural requirements, which is typical for seasonal farm work. We currently have 10 vacancies available for the upcoming season.
Job Requirements
Physical fitness is essential for this role, as farm work involves significant physical activity including lifting, bending, and operating machinery in various weather conditions. Candidates must be reliable, punctual, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Attention to detail is particularly important for quality control during harvesting and sorting operations.
Working Conditions
Farm work involves exposure to outdoor elements, including varying weather conditions. Appropriate clothing and protective equipment will be provided, but candidates should be prepared to work in all conditions that are safe for agricultural operations. The work schedule may change based on weather conditions and crop development needs, requiring flexibility in availability.
Career Development Opportunities
For immigrant workers, this position offers valuable experience in Canadian agricultural practices that can serve as a foundation for long-term career development in Canada’s agricultural sector. Mahler Farms values its employees and provides opportunities for advancement for those who demonstrate commitment and skill development. Many of our senior farm workers began in seasonal positions and advanced to supervisory roles.
Life in Brantford, Ontario
Brantford offers a welcoming community for newcomers to Canada. The city provides affordable living costs, quality educational institutions, and access to healthcare services. As part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, Brantford offers a balance of rural and urban living, with easy access to larger cities like Toronto while maintaining a more affordable cost of living. The area has a growing immigrant population and established settlement services to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society.
Support for Newcomers
Mahler Farms recognizes the unique challenges faced by immigrant workers and provides appropriate support to help you succeed in your role. While we cannot provide immigration services, we can connect you with community resources and settlement organizations that offer language training, credential recognition assistance, and integration support. Many communities in the Brantford area have established networks for immigrant agricultural workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is housing provided for this position?
A: Housing is not directly provided by the farm, but we can assist with information about local rental options and may be able to connect you with other farm workers who share accommodations.
Q: What language skills are required?
A: While specific language requirements are not listed, basic English communication skills are helpful for safety instructions and team coordination.
Q: Is transportation to the work site provided?
A: Transportation is not provided, so reliable transportation to the farm location is necessary.
Q: Are there opportunities for permanent residency through this position?
A: While this seasonal position may not directly lead to permanent residency, Canadian agricultural experience can be valuable for immigration applications through various Canadian immigration programs.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Mahler Farms offers a valuable opportunity for skilled farm workers to build their careers in Canada’s agricultural sector. This position provides competitive wages, meaningful work experience, and the chance to be part of a dedicated farming team. If you are interested in joining our agricultural operations and have the required skills and experience, we encourage you to apply through Job Bank posting #3589569. Our hiring team looks forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our farming operations.