National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.3

8 - Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations

These occupations include supervisors and equipment operators in the natural resource-based sectors of mining, oil and gas production, forestry and logging, agriculture, horticulture and fishing. Most occupations in this category are industry specific and do not occur outside of the primary resources industries.

Occupations within this category generally require completion of college or vocational education programs. Some of these occupations, however, are characterized by on-the-job training and progression through experience.

84 - Workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production

This major group comprises workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations, which usually require completion of secondary school and some training, a licence or certification. It includes mine service workers and operators in oil and gas drilling; logging and forestry workers; agriculture and horticulture workers; and other workers in fishing, trapping and hunting occupations.

843 - Agriculture and horticulture workers

This minor group includes general farm workers and nursery and greenhouse workers. They are employed on crop, livestock, fruit, vegetable and specialty farms; and in indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.

8431 - General farm workers

General farm workers plant, cultivate and harvest crops, raise livestock and poultry and maintain and repair farm equipment and buildings. This unit group also includes operators of farm machinery. They are employed on crop, livestock, fruit, vegetable and specialty farms.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • beef cattle farm worker
  • cattle ranch labourer
  • dairy farm worker
  • farm machinery operator
  • general farm worker
  • grain farm worker
  • harvester machine operator
  • hatchery worker
  • poultry farm worker
  • vegetable farm worker

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (See 8252 Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers)
  • Harvesting labourers (See 8611 Harvesting labourers)
  • Managers in agriculture (See 0821 Managers in agriculture)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Plant, fertilize, cultivate, spray, irrigate and harvest crops
  • Feed and tend livestock and poultry
  • Milk cows
  • Perform or assist in performing breeding activities of farm animals
  • Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
  • Follow food safety and security and animal bio-security procedures
  • 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
  • Maintain or assist in the maintenance of facilities and farm infrastructure including cleaning stables, barns, barnyards and pens.

  General farm workers can become specialized in a particular type of crop or livestock production through experience.

• Employment requirements

  • There are no specific education or training requirements. However, a college certificate or specialized courses related to farming, such as farm equipment mechanics, agricultural welding, tree pruning and pesticide application, are available.
  • Basic farm knowledge, usually obtained from working on a family farm, may be required for employment.
  • A course or certificate in first aid may be required.

• Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

8432 - Nursery and greenhouse workers

Nursery and greenhouse workers plant, cultivate and harvest trees, shrubs, flowers and plants, and serve nursery and greenhouse customers. They are employed in indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • forest nursery worker
  • greenhouse worker
  • horticulture worker
  • hothouse worker
  • hydroponics worker
  • nursery worker

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services (See 8255 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services)
  • General farm workers (See 8431 General farm workers)
  • Harvesting labourers (See 8611 Harvesting labourers)
  • Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers (See 8612 Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers)
  • Managers in horticulture (See 0822 Managers in horticulture)
  • Silviculture and forestry workers (See 8422 Silviculture and forestry workers)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Prepare soil; plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants; and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings
  • Monitor plants for healthy growth and potential weed, insect, disease, and fertilizer problems in greenhouse crops
  • Spray trees, shrubs, flowers and plants to prevent disease and pests
  • Position and regulate greenhouse and outdoor irrigation systems to water plants and fields
  • Dig, cut and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers and plants and prepare them for sale
  • Provide information to customers on gardening, the use of various garden tools and products and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and lawns
  • May operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray fields and plants
  • Maintain inventory and order materials as required
  • Clean working areas.

• Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • Completion of college courses in horticulture or a related field may be required.
  • On-the-job training is provided.
  • A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.

• Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions, such as greenhouse supervisor, is possible with experience.