General Farm Worker position in Napanee, Ontario — experience an asset, dairy & mixed farming, LMIA‑eligible, Primary Agriculture Stream, pathway to permanent residence.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | General Farm Worker |
| Employer | Mill Spring Farms |
| Location | Napanee, Ontario — rural community between Belleville and Kingston |
| Date Posted | September 28, 2026 |
| Language | English required |
| Education | No degree, certificate, or diploma required |
| Experience | Previous farm/dairy experience is an asset — not mandatory |
| Work Type | On‑site only — no remote work |
| Operations | Dairy farming — milking cows, animal care, field work, machinery operation |
| Security | Criminal record check required |
| Equality | Employer supports Indigenous people, newcomers, visible minorities, and youth |
| Benefits | EI, CPP, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid sick days, group RRSP/pension plan, training |
Key Responsibilities
Dairy & Animal Care
- Milk cows — by machine and/or hand; follow hygiene and food safety standards
- Feed and tend dairy cattle — including calves, heifers, and milking herd
- Monitor animal health; identify signs of illness, injury, or reproductive issues; report or assist with treatment
- Assist with calving and general herd management
- Clean and sanitize barns, stables, pens, barnyards, and milking parlours
Machinery & General Duties
- Operate and maintain tractors, loaders, feed mixers, and farm equipment
- Perform field work — planting, harvesting, feeding, and crop maintenance
- Maintain accurate work records, logs, and production data
- Assist with repairs, maintenance, and seasonal farm projects
- Follow biosecurity, animal welfare, and farm safety protocols at all times
Working Conditions
- Environment: Barns, milking parlours, and fields — variable weather, odours, dust, machinery noise
- Physical: Standing, walking, lifting, bending throughout shifts; early morning starts are standard in dairy farming
- Schedule: Full‑time; 7‑day coverage required — weekends, holidays, and overtime during peak seasons
- Training: Provided on the job — milking procedures, machinery safety, animal care
Eligibility & Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | No formal education credential required |
| Experience | Dairy, livestock, or general farm experience is helpful but not mandatory — training provided |
| Machinery | Tractor, farm equipment, or milking system experience is an asset |
| Language | Basic English — follow instructions, safety protocols, and communicate with supervisors |
| Physical | Medically fit; comfortable working with cattle; able to perform physical labour in all seasons |
| Availability | Full‑time; early mornings, weekends, and holidays required |
| Security | Clear criminal record check |
| Personal Qualities | Reliability, punctuality, teamwork, attention to detail, willingness to learn |
Wages & Benefits
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ontario Median Wage — Farm Worker | ~$16.50 – $20.00/hour |
| LMIA Stream | Primary Agriculture → ✅ No LMIA processing fee — employer pays nothing |
| Statutory Benefits | EI, CPP, paid sick leave, vacation pay |
| Extended Benefits | Health, dental, vision, life insurance, group RRSP/pension plan, training opportunities |
| Contract Duration | Up to 2 years renewable |
| Housing | Confirm accommodation availability in Napanee — employer may assist or provide options |
⚠️ Confirm exact hourly wage, overtime rates, and housing details in the active job posting and written employment contract.
LMIA & Work Permit Process
Step 1: Confirm the Job is Active
- Verify this posting is still open — published September 28, 2026
- Confirm whether Mill Spring Farms holds an approved LMIA or will apply
Step 2: Prepare Your Resume
- Canadian‑style format highlighting:
- Dairy, livestock, or general farm experience — milking, feeding, animal care
- Tractor/machinery operation and maintenance
- Physical stamina, reliability, early‑morning availability
- Willingness to learn and live/work in rural Ontario
- No experience? Emphasize strong work ethic, physical fitness, and genuine interest in farming
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Follow instructions in the specific job posting
- Never pay anyone for an interview, job offer, or LMIA
- If shortlisted → interview → written job offer
Step 4: Employer Applies for LMIA
- Mill Spring Farms applies — you do not apply
- Dairy farming = Primary Agriculture Stream → fee‑exempt, no workforce cap
- Recruitment period typically 14 consecutive days
- Service Canada reviews and issues decision
Step 5: Receive Documents
- Positive LMIA confirmation
- Signed employment contract including: wage, hours, duties, housing details
Step 6: Apply for Work Permit
- Submit employer‑specific work permit application to IRCC
- Include: passport, LMIA documents, contract, medical exam results, biometrics
- ⚠️ Positive LMIA ≠ guaranteed work permit approval
Step 7: Relocate & Begin Work
- Arrange travel to Napanee, Ontario
- Secure accommodation — employer may assist
- Begin work — dairy schedules start early!
Permanent Residence Pathways — Ontario Agriculture
| Pathway | Details |
|---|---|
| Ontario PNP — In‑Demand Skills (Agriculture) | Dedicated stream; 9 months full‑time farm work in ON; CLB 4 language; valid work permit |
| Agri‑Food Pilot (Federal) | 1 year experience + CLB 4 → direct PR pathway; no provincial nomination needed |
| Express Entry — CEC | 1 year full‑time experience + CLB 5 → faster processing (~6 months after ITA) |
| Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) | If location qualifies → community recommendation + 1 year experience |
| Spousal Benefits | Spouse → open work permit; children → study permits |
Dairy farming is a high‑priority occupation across all Ontario immigration programs.
Scam Prevention & Important Warnings
| ✅ Safe Practice | ⚠️ Red Flag |
|---|---|
| Apply directly through official channels | Asked to pay money upfront for “processing” or “placement” |
| Primary Agriculture = no LMIA fee — employer pays all costs | “Guaranteed visa” or “direct hiring agent” claims |
| Receive written employment contract before committing | Pressure to pay via personal accounts |
| Confirm employer identity independently | No written contract or vague terms |
| Verify location — Napanee, Ontario | Promises of permanent residence without work requirements |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need dairy experience?
Experience is an asset but not mandatory. Training on milking systems, animal care, and machinery is provided.
2. Can I apply from Pakistan?
Yes. The Primary Agriculture Stream accepts workers from any country. You do not need to be in Canada first.
3. Is there an LMIA fee?
No. Dairy farming is Primary Agriculture → fully exempt from the $1,000 LMIA fee. You should never be asked to pay.
4. Does this lead to permanent residence?
Yes — strong pathway. After 9–12 months of full‑time work, you may qualify for the Ontario PNP Agriculture Stream, Agri‑Food Pilot, or Express Entry.
5. What is the schedule like?
Dairy farming requires daily care — early morning starts (4–6 AM), evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overtime is common and paid.
6. Is housing provided?
Confirm in your offer — many rural Ontario farms provide or assist with accommodation.