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Harvesting Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

PLANNING This role is tasked with implementing the operational planning of road construction and harvesting programs related to various forest tenures while considering best methods and other related ...

PLANNING This role is tasked with implementing the operational planning of road construction and harvesting programs related to various forest tenures while considering best methods and other related ...

PLANNING This role is tasked with implementing the operational planning of road construction and harvesting programs related to various forest tenures while considering best methods and other related ...

Must have at least 1 year of related experience in a harvesting environment * Must have loader ticket * Qualified applicants will have good interpersonal and problem-solving skills and able to work ...

Plan and schedule field activities including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting operations * Monitor crop health and growth stages, identifying potential issues and ...

Plan and schedule field activities including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting operations * Monitor crop health and growth stages, identifying potential issues and ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

In all aspects of our business, we're committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly ...

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Showing results 1-20

Harvesting information

See Alberta salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do harvesting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for harvesting in Alberta is $26.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is harvesting?

Harvesting refers to the process of gathering mature crops from the fields where they have been grown. This is a crucial stage in agriculture, as it determines the quality and quantity of the final product. Harvesting can be done manually using hand tools or with the help of machines, depending on the type and scale of the crops. Proper timing and methods are essential to ensure minimal loss and maintain the quality of the produce.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a harvesting position, and why are they important?

To succeed in a Harvesting role, you typically need physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of crop types or agricultural processes, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with harvesting machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in equipment operation are important. Strong teamwork, time management, and adaptability help individuals excel in changing field conditions and meet production targets. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality crop collection, which is vital for agricultural productivity and food supply chains.

What are some common challenges faced by harvesting workers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Harvesting workers often encounter challenges such as working long hours in varying weather conditions, maintaining a fast work pace to meet quotas, and handling physically demanding tasks like lifting and repetitive movements. To manage these challenges, it's important to follow safety protocols, take scheduled breaks, stay hydrated, and use proper techniques to prevent injury. Many employers also provide training and equipment to support worker health and efficiency, and teamwork is emphasized to ensure that the harvest is completed on time.

What is the difference between Harvesting vs Planting?

AspectHarvestingPlanting
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials, but experience in agriculture helpsOften requires a basic understanding of planting techniques; certifications are uncommon
Work EnvironmentOutdoor fields, seasonal work, physically demandingOutdoor fields or greenhouses, seasonal or year-round, physically active
Employer & Industry UsageFarmers, agricultural companies, seasonal laborFarmers, nurseries, agricultural companies, seasonal labor

Harvesting and planting are both essential agricultural tasks but differ in timing and focus. Harvesting involves collecting mature crops, while planting is the process of sowing seeds for future growth. Both roles require outdoor work and are seasonal, often performed by similar labor forces in the agriculture industry.

Infographic showing various Harvesting job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,968 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Forestry Summer Students - 2027

Slave Lake, AB • On-site


West Fraser
Forestry • 5 - 10K employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies

Good training


Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

West Fraser offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking challenging and rewarding careers. Our Woodlands divisions currently have opportunities for motivated Forestry Summer Students - 2027.

West Fraser hires over 50 Forestry summer students annually throughout our Canadian operations in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. You will gain hands-on experience and training in the forest industry on either our Silviculture or Planning teams. Our Forestry summer terms vary from 4 months, eight months, or up to 1 year, depending on your academic program schedule and how far along you are in your studies. 

SILVICULTURE

In this role, you will access our sites, select seedlings, participate in planting supervision, conduct regeneration/free-growing surveys, insect probes, stand tending assessments and mark trees for subsequent operations. Your responsibilities include data collection and collaboration in other reforestation methods. Our silviculture team oversees growth & forest health monitoring and post-harvest site preparation.

PLANNING

This role is tasked with implementing the operational planning of road construction and harvesting programs related to various forest tenures while considering best methods and other related operational & strategic planning duties. Our planning team works closely with various stakeholders to ensure the development of stewardship & management plans and silviculture prescriptions & cutting permits, while ensuring a strict adherence to current legislation and land use planning practices.

Qualifications/Experience:

  • Enrolled in a Forestry Degree Program or a Forestry Technical Diploma Program at an accredited post-secondary institution
  • Prior forestry, agricultural or industrial experience is considered an asset
  • Must be available to commence work in May 2027
  • Driver's licence mandatory 
  • Basic outdoor and wilderness skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Commitment to working safely and creating a safe workplace

Summer student opportunities are available in the following locations: Quesnel, Williams Lake, Smithers, Chetwynd, Sundre, Hinton, Blue Ridge, Slave Lake, Manning, Chambord, and La Sarre. Many of our students return to be crew leaders in subsequent summers or join our team full-time after graduation.

Your Workplace Location:

Quesnel, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Fraser Lake, Smithers, Chetwynd, Sundre, Hinton, Blue Ridge, Slave Lake, Manning, Chambord, and La Sarre. Many of our students return to be crew leaders in subsequent summers or join our team full-time after graduation.

About Us:

West Fraser offers exciting career paths in trades, operations, professional services, engineering and forestry across more than 50 locations in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. 

From lumber to engineered wood products, West Fraser delivers high-quality, naturally renewable building materials to the world. In all aspects of our business, we’re committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. 

Diversity:  

At West Fraser, we strongly believe promoting diversity and inclusion is essential to our success. Our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is reflected in our core values, and we constantly strive to foster a culture that values and respects every individual’s unique background and perspective. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to shaping a brighter future by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Join our team at West Fraser and help us build a more diverse and inclusive community.

Sustainability:

West Fraser is fully committed to sustainable forest management as defined in our environmental policy, which is reflected in every aspect of our work. We adopt new technologies and innovations to create exceptional building materials. Wood products are a natural, renewable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Sustainability Report | West Fraser

Learn more about us!

We are West Fraser                             


West Fraser logo

About West Fraser

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

West Fraser is a well-established wood products company with a diverse portfolio of more than 60 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. As a leader in sustainable forestry practices and high-efficiency wood product manufacturing, we have gained recognition for our commitment to excellence. Our core business involves producing lumber, engineered wood, and various other products, including pulp, newsprint, and renewable energy. With a focus on modern manufacturing facilities and product innovation, we are shaping a promising future.

Industry

Forestry

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Vancouver, BC, CA

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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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