POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Assistant Seed Manager, the General Labourer is responsible for assisting with all aspects of seed receiving, processing, packaging, equipment set-up, clean down, and general production activities within our seed processing facility. This hands-on position is ideal for an individual who enjoys agriculture, working outdoors, operating farm equipment, and working with machinery in a physically demanding environment.
The successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency. Working both indoors and outdoors, the General Labourer will support daily production operations while ensuring compliance with ISO quality standards, company procedures, and all applicable health and safety legislation. The position involves working in dusty environments, performing equipment clean downs that include removing chemical residue using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and occasionally working within confined spaces.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the operation of seed conditioning, cleaning, grading, treatment and packaging equipment to produce high-quality soybean and wheat seed that meets ISO quality standards and customer specifications.
- Safely perform equipment clean down processes while following WHMIS requirements, Safe Work Procedures and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Assist with inventory movement, organization and storage of seed products and production materials.
- Identify equipment abnormalities and promptly report maintenance concerns to manager.
- Assist with preventative maintenance activities as directed.
- Operate tractors, forklifts and other mobile equipment to transport seed, materials and equipment throughout the production facility and yard.
- Operate augers, conveyors, grain vacs and other material handling equipment to safely move bulk seed.
- Assist with receiving, unloading, storage and shipping activities, including set up and clean up of receiving equipment, wagons and loading systems.
- Assist with packaging operations, including bagging, palletizing, labeling and preparing finished product for shipment.
- Complete production records, quality documentation, inventory records and other required documentation accurately and in accordance with ISO procedures.
- Perform daily housekeeping and scheduled clean down activities throughout the production facility, including cleaning equipment containing chemical residue and maintaining a clean, organized and safe work environment.
- Participate in confined space work when properly trained and authorized.
- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ISO documentation requirements and quality control procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality and operational efficiency.
- Report equipment deficiencies, quality concerns, hazards, near misses and safety incidents promptly to manager.
- The General Labourer may be occasionally asked to assist in the Grain Systems department, which may include the preparation of structural foundations, building and positioning forms, rebar and wire mesh for pouring concrete, as well as the assembly of grain bin structures, handling and drying equipment.
- Provide support to other departments as required during peak seasonal operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Previous experience working on a farm, in agriculture, seed production, grain handling, manufacturing, or industrial production environments preferred.
- Experience operating tractors, loaders, forklifts or other agricultural equipment considered a strong asset.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate, troubleshoot and adjust production equipment.
- Previous experience working in an ISO-regulated manufacturing or food/seed processing facility considered an asset.
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- Valid Ontario driver's license.
- Working at Heights, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, Fall Arrest, Hoisting & Rigging, Aerial Lift or similar certifications considered assets.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Shift days and times may vary depending on departmental and/or seasonal demands. Ability to work extended hours, weekends and overtime required during seasonal production periods.
- Participate in compulsory training as deemed necessary for the role.
- CSA steel toed construction grade safety boots in designated area(s).
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Passion for agriculture and working in a hands-on environment.
- Ability to follow written work instructions, SOPs and quality procedures.
- Basic math and measurement skills.
- Safety Focus
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Quality Orientation
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem Solving
- Accountability
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Initiative
- Time Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Dependability
- Communication Skills
- Customer Service Mindset
- Agricultural Awareness
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Majority of work performed in an agricultural seed processing facility and outdoor work environment.
- Exposure to changing weather conditions, dust, noise, moving machinery and vibration.
- Frequent operation of or working around tractors, forklifts and industrial processing equipment.
- Regular handling of agricultural chemicals while following safe handling procedures.
- Occasional confined space entry and work at heights following established safety procedures.
- Frequent lifting, climbing, working at heights, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting and repetitive physical movements.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Opportunities for skill development in agriculture
- Competitive wages and career growth opportunities
- Comprehensive group health benefits program; shared co-pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Group RSP with company matching, starting at 3%
- Paid time off
- Boot allowance for CSA grade protective footwear
- Company apparel allowance
- Meal reimbursement allowance program
- Hands on learning environment
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Devolder Farms Inc. prides itself on being an award-winning industry leader within the agriculture sector. Centrally located between Sarnia and Windsor, we provide a full line up of innovative, cost effective, high performance based ag products and solutions. Supported by expert sales, design, and installation services, with a custom fabrication shop and fully stocked warehouse, we operate as a year round business and remain committed to providing rewarding and diverse career opportunities for those who want to be part of a team that focuses on safety, quality and productivity.
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Devolder Farms Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair and accessible employment practices, and an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If you are contacted through our recruitment process, please advise Human Resources of your need(s) for accommodation measures, which will be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used solely for the purpose of candidate selection. This is an existing job vacancy.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $18.52-$24.27 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
