General Farm Workers
(NOC 8431)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningGeneral farm workers plant, cultivate, and harvest crops, raise livestock and poultry, and maintain and repair farm equipment and buildings. This group includes operators of farm machinery. General farm workers work for crop, livestock, fruit and vegetable, and specialty farms. General farm workers can become specialized in a crop or livestock production through experience.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Growth in Nova Scotia's agricultural sector continues to generate strong demand for this occupation. Jobs are often seasonal, short-term, physically demanding and may require working long hours. Opportunities are more common in rural areas of the province.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$15.00
Median$24.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$907
Minimum$12,859
Median$41,110
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
General farm workers plant, cultivate, and harvest crops, raise livestock and poultry, and maintain and repair farm equipment and buildings. This group includes operators of farm machinery. General farm workers work for crop, livestock, fruit and vegetable, and specialty farms. General farm workers can become specialized in a crop or livestock production through experience.
Job duties
General farm workers:
- Plant, fertilize, cultivate, spray, irrigate and harvest crops.
- Feed and tend livestock and poultry.
- Milk cows.
- Use and maintain farm machinery and equipment.
- Detect disease and health problems in crops, livestock, and poultry.
- Examine produce for quality and prepare for market.
- Set and monitor water lines, air flow and temperature in barns, pens, and chicken coops.
- Clean stables, barns, barnyards, and pens.
Sample job titles
- beekeeping technician
- egg grader
- farm equipment operator
- farm labourer
- farm worker
- field and vegetable crop labourer
- hatchery worker
- livestock labourer
- vineyard worker
Skills
- You should enjoy working outdoors. You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- There is no specific education or training requirements. However, a college certificate or specialized courses related to farming like farm equipment mechanics, agricultural welding, tree pruning and pesticide application, are available.
- A course or certificate in first aid may be required.
Other considerations
- Basic farm knowledge, usually learned by working on a family farm, may be required for employment. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Annapolis Valley
$13,395 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$10,379 median annual incomeSouthern
$17,214 median annual incomeHalifax
$10,794 median annual incomeCape Breton
$11,080 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$9,635 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,467 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$15,176 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$17,563 median annual incomeBachelor
$10,461 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Agriculture - General
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on agricultural research and production. They include courses in basic animal, plant, and soil science, animal husbandry and plant cultivation, soil conservation, and agricultural operations like farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage the selection, breeding, care, and maintenance of horses, and horse farms, stables, tracks and related equipment and operations. They include courses in animal science, care, and health, stable and track management, design and operation of facilities and equipment, and related issues like regulations, business management, and logistics.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related designs created by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients. They include courses in applicable principles of horticulture, gardening, plant and soil irrigation and nutrition, turf maintenance, plant maintenance, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel supervision, and purchasing.
Livestock Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs apply biological and chemical principles to the production and management of livestock animals and the production and handling of meat and other products. They include courses in animal sciences, range science, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
Institutions providing this program
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations - Other
College, Trades, or University ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS