CAREER

Job Opening: Farm Worker (Self-Manager) - Beef & Sheep Operation

Location: Bonfield, Ontario

Blue Seal Farm is a growing, family-owned beef and sheep operation. We are searching for a reliable, experienced, and self-motivated individual to join our team as a full-time Farm Worker.

This is more than a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifestyle. We are looking for an honest and dedicated “self-manager” who can take initiative and care for the farm and animals with pride. The farm owners live across the road and are active in other businesses, so you will be responsible for managing your daily workload.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Daily care, feeding, and management of approximately 150 head of cattle and 200 sheep.

  • Assist during calving and lambing seasons.

  • Operate, maintain, and repair farm machinery and heavy equipment (tractors, harvester, etc.).

  • Perform physical farm duties, including fencing, haying, cleaning pens, and assisting with shearing.

  • Planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.

  • General farm and building maintenance, repairs, and landscaping.

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Must-Have: Proven experience in farm work, especially with livestock (beef and/or sheep).

  • Must-Have: Ability to work independently and be a “self-starter” with strong problem-solving skills.

  • Must-Have: Valid driver’s license.

  • Must-Have: Honesty and reliability are paramount.

  • Must be physically fit and willing to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by weather and livestock needs (e.g., calving season).

  • Asset: Experience with heavy equipment (excavator, dozer, dump truck).

  • Asset: Strong mechanical or construction/carpentry skills.

  • Asset: “D” or “AZ” license.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive bi-weekly salary, negotiable based on experience.

  • Performance-based bonus opportunities.

  • On-site accommodations provided: A two-bedroom house or a separate two-bedroom apartment.

  • All utilities included: Heat, hydro, and internet.

  • Use of a company vehicle (pick-up truck), ATV, and snowmobile.

  • Company cell phone provided.

  • A full and detailed employment contract will be provided.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please email us at careers@vsgroup.ca with the subject line “Blue Seal Farm”.

A formal résumé is not required. You can send a resume or simply send us a message with the following information:

Your relevant past work experience (especially farm-related).

Any agricultural education or training.

Other useful skills (mechanics, construction, heavy equipment operation).

A brief explanation of why you believe you are a good fit for this role and the farm lifestyle.

We will be in touch for a phone call if your application appears to be a good fit. A criminal record check will be required.

APPLY HERE

Farm Help Application Questionnaire
Please complete the following questions as thoroughly as possible. We are looking for individuals with genuine, hands-on farm experience. Be specific about where, when, and how you gained your experience.
Please describe your hands-on experience working with sheep or similar livestock. Include details such as: Lambing season and newborn care, Feeding routines and nutrition, Parasite management, Shearing and wool handling, Flock management and general animal health. Where, when, and for how long did you gain this experience?
Please describe your hands-on experience with beef cattle or cow-calf operations. Include details such as: Calving season management, Feeding and pasture management, Animal health monitoring, Tagging, handling, and shipping livestock, Record keeping or any herd health programs you’ve worked with. Where, when, and for how long did you gain this experience?
Please describe your experience and knowledge of field and soil management. Include information such as: Understanding of soil nutrients and fertility, Fertilizer use and application methods, Crop rotation and field management practices, Experience in pesticide and herbicide use, including safe handling, mixing, and application methods. Where and how did you gain this experience? How confident are you in your understanding of these areas?
Please describe your experience with crop work, from planting to harvest. Include details such as: Seeding corn, oats, barley, or other grains, Plowing, cultivating, disking, and other field preparation, Harvesting techniques, Silage methods (ag bagging, wrapping, bunking, or silo use). Where, when, and for how long did you gain this experience?
Please describe your hands-on experience with hay production and handling. Include details such as: Cutting, raking, and baling hay, Understanding and monitoring moisture levels for proper curing and storage, Types of hay production you’ve done (round bales, small square bales, large square bales, etc.), Experience operating and maintaining hay equipment (mowers, rakes, balers, wrappers, loaders, etc.), Your understanding of what it takes to produce quality hay. Where, when, and for how long did you gain this experience?
Please describe your mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining or repairing farm equipment. Include examples such as: Tractor and machinery maintenance (oil changes, greasing, etc.), Hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical repairs Tire repair or replacement, Welding or fabrication skills, Preventative maintenance and troubleshooting. Where, when, and for how long did you gain this experience?
Please tell us about your overall farm life experience. Include: Type of farms or family farms you’ve worked on, Typical work hours and seasonal expectations you’re used to, Your preferred work schedule or flexibility (e.g., early mornings, weekends, long harvest days, etc.). What farm work means to you and your long-term goals in agriculture.
Our farm also sells feed and supplies locally. Please describe your experience in: Customer service, sales, or negotiation, Communication and interpersonal skills, Product knowledge and providing honest, reliable advice, Representing a business with integrity and professionalism.
Please share any other experience, certifications, or information you feel would make you a good fit for our farm team.
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