General Farm Worker — Livestock
Join The Lara Costa Inc. in Fisherville, ON — Southern Ontario’s Trusted Livestock Farm Offering Stable Weekly Income & Meaningful Animal Care Work
Company Overview
The Lara Costa Inc. is a dedicated livestock farming operation located in Fisherville, Ontario, a rural community in the heart of Southern Ontario’s agricultural corridor. Situated within Haldimand County near the shores of Lake Erie, Fisherville benefits from a temperate climate, fertile pastures, and proximity to major livestock markets and processing facilities in Hamilton, Brantford, and the Greater Toronto Area.
The Lara Costa Inc. specializes in raising healthy, high-quality livestock with a focus on animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and operational excellence. The farm maintains modern barn facilities, pasture systems, and handling equipment designed to ensure the wellbeing of animals while creating a safe and efficient workplace for employees.
As a family-oriented farming enterprise, The Lara Costa Inc. values integrity, compassion for animals, and a strong work ethic. The company is committed to providing stable employment, fair compensation, and a respectful work environment where every team member plays a vital role in the daily care and management of the livestock operation.
Job Details
Job Title: General Farm Worker — Livestock
Employer: The Lara Costa Inc.
Location: Fisherville, Ontario, Canada
NOC Code: 85100 (Livestock Labourers)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Hours: 40-50 hours per week (varies by seasonal demands and animal care needs)
Shift: Early Morning, Day, Evening, Weekend rotation (livestock require daily care 365 days/year)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Compensation: $720.00 per week (equivalent to approximately $18.00/hour based on 40 hours)
Salary & Benefits
Stable Weekly Income — Predictable Pay Every Week
Hourly Equivalent: ~$18.00/hr (based on 40 hrs/week) | Overtime: Additional pay for hours beyond standard schedule
Estimated Annual: ~$37,440 (based on 52 weeks of full-time work)
Benefits Package
- Guaranteed Weekly Pay: Receive $720.00 every week regardless of minor weather-related schedule adjustments — predictable income you can count on
- Overtime Compensation: Additional pay for hours worked beyond the standard weekly schedule during busy periods such as calving, lambing, or market preparation
- On-Farm Accommodation: Affordable or subsidized housing may be available on or near the farm property for eligible workers
- Meal Provisions: Farm-provided meals or meal allowances during extended shifts and busy seasonal periods
- Comprehensive Training: Hands-on training in animal husbandry, livestock handling, biosecurity, and farm safety protocols
- Safety Equipment: All required personal protective equipment provided including boots, coveralls, gloves, and eye/ear protection
- Workers’ Compensation: Full coverage under Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- Employment Insurance (EI): Eligible for EI benefits if employment ends and minimum insurable hours are met
- Paid Time Off: Vacation pay accrued at 4% of gross earnings (Ontario standard), plus flexible scheduling for personal needs
- Career Advancement: Opportunity to advance to Lead Hand, Barn Manager, or Herdsperson roles based on performance and dedication
- Animal Care Certification Support: Financial support for obtaining industry certifications such as Animal Care Training or livestock handling courses
Job Description
The Lara Costa Inc. is seeking a dedicated and compassionate General Farm Worker — Livestock to join our team in Fisherville, Ontario. This is a hands-on, rewarding position for individuals who genuinely care about animal welfare and want to build a career in livestock production.
As a Livestock Farm Worker, you will be responsible for the daily care, feeding, health monitoring, and handling of farm animals. Your work directly impacts the health, comfort, and productivity of the livestock under your care. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to treating animals with respect and kindness.
The position involves working both indoors in modern barn facilities and outdoors in pastures and handling areas. You will work as part of a close-knit team, reporting to the Farm Manager or Herdsperson, and contributing to all aspects of the livestock operation from daily routines to seasonal events such as birthing, weaning, and vaccination programs.
No prior livestock experience is required — we provide thorough training for candidates who demonstrate reliability, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude toward animals. This is an excellent entry point into Ontario’s thriving livestock industry.
A Day in the Life
Livestock farming follows a daily rhythm centered around the animals’ needs. Here’s what a typical day looks like:
Morning Routine (5:30 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Feed and water all animals according to established rations and schedules
- Conduct visual health checks — observe animal behavior, appetite, and mobility
- Clean barn areas, remove manure, and refresh bedding materials
- Assist with milking operations (if dairy) or morning pasture rotation
- Record any health concerns, injuries, or abnormal behavior for supervisor review
Midday Tasks (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Move animals between pastures, barns, or handling facilities as directed
- Assist with veterinary visits — hold animals for examinations, vaccinations, or treatments
- Maintain and repair fences, gates, water lines, and feeding equipment
- Prepare feed rations, mix supplements, and ensure proper storage of feedstuffs
Aternoon & Evening (1:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Second feeding and watering check for all animal groups
- Assist with breeding activities, pregnancy checks, or neonatal care as needed
- Clean and sanitize equipment, tools, and work areas to maintain biosecurity standards
- Complete daily logs and reports on animal numbers, feed consumption, and health status
- Evening barn check — ensure all animals are secure, comfortable, and have access to feed and water overnight
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Husbandry
- Daily Feeding: Prepare and distribute feed rations appropriate for each animal group (calves, heifers, mature stock, breeding animals); monitor feed intake and adjust as directed
- Water Management: Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times; clean and maintain water troughs, bowls, and automatic watering systems
- Health Monitoring: Conduct daily visual inspections of all animals; identify signs of illness, injury, distress, or abnormal behavior; report concerns promptly to the Herdsperson or veterinarian
- Medication & Treatment: Assist with administering medications, vaccines, dewormers, and topical treatments under supervision; maintain accurate treatment records
- Birthing Assistance: Monitor pregnant animals during calving/lambing/farrowing season; assist with difficult births when necessary; ensure proper care of newborn animals including navel dipping, colostrum feeding, and warmth provision
- Animal Handling: Safely move, sort, and restrain livestock using low-stress handling techniques; operate handling chutes, gates, and sorting pens
- Weighing & Recording: Weigh animals regularly, record growth data, and maintain accurate herd records in farm management software or logbooks
Barn & Facility Maintenance
- Cleaning & Sanitation: Remove manure and soiled bedding daily; pressure wash barn floors, walls, and equipment; apply fresh bedding (straw, shavings, sand) to maintain animal comfort and hygiene
- Ventilation & Climate Control: Monitor barn temperature, humidity, and air quality; adjust curtains, fans, and heaters to maintain optimal conditions for animal health
- Biosecurity: Follow strict biosecurity protocols including foot baths, vehicle disinfection, and visitor control to prevent disease introduction
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on feeding equipment, manure handling systems, water lines, and handling facilities
- Pasture Management: Rotate livestock between pasture paddocks; repair fences and gates; monitor pasture condition and forage availability
General Farm Support
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate daily records of animal inventory, feed usage, health treatments, breeding dates, and production metrics
- Feed Storage: Receive, store, and inventory feed deliveries; monitor feed quality and report spoilage or shortages
- Loading & Transport: Assist with loading animals onto trailers for transport to market, breeding facilities, or veterinary clinics
- Team Communication: Participate in daily team meetings; communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers regarding animal status and operational needs
- Emergency Response: Respond to animal emergencies including escapes, injuries, or severe weather events; follow established emergency protocols
Qualifications & Skills
Minimum Requirements
- Education: No formal education required; high school diploma or equivalent preferred but not mandatory
- Experience: No prior livestock experience required — comprehensive training provided for motivated candidates
- Age: Must be at least 18 years of age
- Language: Functional English proficiency to understand animal care instructions, safety protocols, and communicate with the team
- Physical Fitness: Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly, stand and walk for 8-10 hours per day, bend, kneel, and work in barn environments with exposure to dust, manure, and animal dander
- Animal Comfort: Comfortable working closely with large animals (cattle, pigs, sheep); no allergies to hay, straw, or animal dander
- Work Schedule: Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays — livestock require daily care 365 days per year
- Reliability: Punctual, dependable, and committed to showing up every day — animals depend on consistent care
- Driver’s License: Valid G-class Ontario driver’s license preferred; farm will assist with obtaining required endorsements
Preferred Skills & Assets
- Prior experience working with cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, or other livestock
- Knowledge of animal behavior, nutrition, and basic veterinary care
- Experience operating tractors, skid steers, ATVs, and farm trucks
- Familiarity with farm machinery such as feed mixers, manure spreaders, and balers
- Welding, carpentry, or mechanical skills for fence and equipment repairs
- First Aid/CPR certification (human and/or livestock)
- Computer literacy for farm management software and record-keeping systems
- Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish, English/Portuguese, or other languages) for diverse team communication
- Experience with artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or other breeding technologies
Job Location
Address: Fisherville, Ontario, Canada
Region: Haldimand County, Southern Ontario
Proximity: Located approximately 15 km south of Hamilton, 30 km northeast of Brantford, and 80 km southwest of Toronto; accessible via Highway 6 and Highway 20
Community: Fisherville is a small, tight-knit rural community with deep agricultural roots, offering a peaceful country lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities
Climate: Humid continental climate with warm summers (average 25°C in July) and cold winters; the region receives adequate rainfall for pasture and crop production
Agricultural Zone: Part of Ontario’s productive livestock and cash crop region, with numerous dairy, beef, pork, and poultry operations in the surrounding area
Local Amenities: Nearby towns of Caledonia, Hagersville, and Simcoe provide grocery stores, medical clinics, schools, banks, restaurants, and recreational facilities
Transportation: Personal vehicle recommended for commuting and accessing amenities; the farm is accessible by paved roads year-round
How to Apply
The Lara Costa Inc. is actively seeking dependable individuals who are passionate about animal care to join our livestock team. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submission. Positions are available immediately.
Application Steps
- Submit Your Application: Click the “Apply Now” button below and complete the online application form at JobBankCanada.us
- Upload Documents: Attach your resume, driver’s license (if available), and any relevant certificates or references from previous employers
- Phone Interview: Qualified applicants will be contacted for a brief phone screening to discuss experience, availability, and interest in livestock work
- Farm Visit & Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview and tour of the farm facilities to meet the team and observe daily operations
- Job Offer & Onboarding: Selected candidates receive a formal employment offer, weekly pay confirmation, and a structured orientation program including animal handling training and safety certification
Tip: Even if you have no livestock experience, emphasize your reliability, physical fitness, and genuine interest in working with animals. Include any experience with pets, volunteering at animal shelters, or outdoor physical work. References from employers who can speak to your work ethic and punctuality are highly valued. Mention your flexibility regarding early mornings, weekends, and holiday shifts.
Summary
The General Farm Worker — Livestock position at The Lara Costa Inc. in Fisherville, Ontario offers a rare combination of stable weekly income, meaningful work, and the opportunity to build a genuine career in animal agriculture. At $720.00 per week, this role provides predictable earnings in an industry where consistency matters.
Located in Southern Ontario’s thriving agricultural corridor, The Lara Costa Inc. offers more than just a job — it offers a chance to become part of a team that truly cares about animal welfare and sustainable farming. Whether you are an experienced livestock handler or someone who has always wanted to work with animals, this position provides the training, support, and environment to help you grow.
Livestock farming is not a typical 9-to-5 job. It requires dedication, early mornings, and a willingness to work when the animals need you — but it rewards those efforts with the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to the health and wellbeing of living creatures. For the right person, there is no more fulfilling career path.
If you are ready to roll up your sleeves, work hard, and care for animals every day, apply now and start your journey in Ontario’s livestock industry!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What types of livestock does The Lara Costa Inc. raise?
The Lara Costa Inc. operates a diversified livestock farm in Fisherville, Ontario. While specific animal types may include cattle (beef or dairy), swine, sheep, or poultry depending on the farm’s current focus, all workers receive species-specific training upon hiring. During your interview and farm tour, you will learn exactly which animals you will be working with and the specific care protocols for each group.
2. Is this job suitable for someone afraid of large animals?
Working with livestock requires confidence and comfort around large animals. While training is provided, individuals who are genuinely fearful of cattle, pigs, or other farm animals may find the work challenging. However, many workers who were initially nervous develop confidence through proper training and positive experiences. If you are unsure, we recommend visiting the farm during the interview process to assess your comfort level.
3. Do I have to work on weekends and holidays?
Yes. Livestock require daily care 365 days per year, including weekends and holidays. The farm operates on a rotating schedule to ensure fair distribution of weekend and holiday shifts among all team members. You will typically work some weekends but will also have scheduled days off during the week. The farm makes every effort to accommodate important personal events and religious observances with advance notice.
4. What does the weekly pay of $720.00 cover?
The $720.00 weekly pay is your gross earnings for a standard full-time work week (typically 40 hours). This is equivalent to approximately $18.00 per hour. Overtime pay applies for hours worked beyond the standard schedule at 1.5 times your effective hourly rate. Vacation pay of 4% is added to your earnings as required by Ontario law. Deductions for income tax, CPP, and EI will be withheld as per Canadian tax regulations.
5. Is accommodation provided?
The Lara Costa Inc. offers assistance in finding suitable accommodation in Fisherville or nearby communities such as Caledonia, Hagersville, or Cayuga. In some cases, on-farm housing may be available at a subsidized rate for full-time employees. Housing options and costs will be discussed during the interview process. The farm understands that relocating for work can be challenging and provides support to help new employees settle in.
6. What is the smell and environment like in a livestock barn?
Livestock barns naturally have odors from animals, manure, feed, and bedding. Modern ventilation systems help manage air quality, but workers should expect to work in environments with dust, animal dander, and organic matter. Proper PPE (masks, gloves, coveralls) is provided, and workers with respiratory sensitivities should consider this carefully. Most workers adapt to the environment within the first few weeks.
7. Can this job lead to permanent residency in Canada?
Yes. Canadian work experience in livestock farming can contribute to permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). Ontario has specific streams for agricultural workers. A valid job offer from The Lara Costa Inc. may also provide additional points in the Express Entry system. Consult a licensed immigration consultant for personalized advice.
8. What safety training is mandatory?
All new hires complete mandatory safety training including: farm-specific hazard awareness, animal handling safety, machinery operation safety (if applicable), chemical and medication handling (WHMIS), and emergency response procedures. Additional training may include First Aid/CPR, livestock transport regulations, and biosecurity protocols. The Lara Costa Inc. prioritizes worker safety and ensures all team members are properly trained before performing hazardous tasks.
9. Will I be working alone or with a team?
Most tasks are performed as part of a team, especially during busy periods such as feeding times, animal moves, and veterinary visits. However, some routine duties like cleaning, monitoring, and record-keeping may be done independently after you have completed training and demonstrated competence. New workers are always paired with experienced team members during the initial training period.
10. What should I wear and bring on my first day?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe work boots (steel-toed preferred), comfortable work clothes that can get dirty, and bring a water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen for outdoor work), and any necessary personal medications. The farm provides coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other required PPE. Leave jewelry and loose clothing at home for safety reasons. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are the most important things you can bring.