by Heidi Riley
The busy agriculture season has arrived, and farmers are looking for staff. The PEI Agriculture Sector Council lists job opportunities from all over the Island. In late April, around 50 jobs were listed.
Some of the most common listings are for Truck Drivers and Labourers, and wages range from minimum wage on up. Work is most often 40 hours or more per week, including weekends.
Labourers are needed for cutting seed potatoes and vegetable and fruit planting and harvesting. The work is outdoors and they may need to be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Truck Drivers are needed to deliver product to farms and move produce from farm fields to processing facilities on PEI and the Maritimes. A Class 1A license and some related experience is usually required.
Most positions listed are seasonal, such as Crop Scouts, Administration, and Shipping/Receiving, who work for about 15 weeks. These positions would be ideal for post-secondary students with some agriculture experience.
For a list of current agriculture job opportunities, visit www.peiagsc.ca/employment.php