USIT is looking to fill over 50 places on Canadian farms as part of an Agricultural Exchange Program this year.

The farm work is mostly located in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario and starts in April.

According to USIT, the only costs involved are the visa (CA$150), flights and insurance and the contracts are from six to 12 months long.

USIT says the packages include free accommodation on the farm; free meals provided (when working) with starting salaries of $1,800 Canadian Dollars per month (€1,200).

It goes on to say that overtime will be paid where extra hours are required and two to three weeks holidays are included.

USIT will help with getting a visa and it says farming experience is a must for these jobs.

Candidates must also have a full clean Driving Licence and experience in operating mechanical farming equipment (tractors, combine harvesters, seeding machinery, spraying equipment – with booms) would be an advantage.

The ability to drive trucks or articulated vehicles is highly regarded when applying for the jobs.

Ideally (not essential but highly regarded) a person with some mechanical knowledge (need not be qualified) to undertake minor repairs and maintenance to the farm vehicles and equipment, it also says.

Other farm and road construction workers are sought in Manitoba, where two-year contracts are on offer.

Starting in May the jobs involves living in a small rural town and the salary is CAD$18-20/hour.

USIT says its Irish/Canadian client is ideally seeking workers who have a background in farming and or driving farming equipment.

Ideal candidates will be able to drive trucks and articulated vehicles and must be willing to secure a Canadian truck license on arrival and for the roadworks side of the business the company operates a fleet of trucks, excavators, dozers, fertiliser spreaders so a knowledge of this equipment would be advantageous.

Accommodation is available on arrival until you find your own accommodation and working hours of 30-40 are the norm.

Meanwhile, USIT is looking for Agricultural Equipment Technicans in Alberta, Canada. Full sponsorship is available and candidates must be experienced mechanics with agricultural (farming equipment) and heavy equipment experience.

Full details of the jobs are available from USIT on its website.