Quality Detasseling Contractors (QDC) is set to hire over 100 corn detasselers and leaders in the Wallaceburg, Dresden and surrounding areas again this summer.
Mike Scollard, owner of the company, says this is similar to last year and there are money making opportunities for both detasselers and leaders.
“The major focus again this year is on the health and safety of everyone working in the seed fields. There were zero incidents in the industry last year and we will be following all protocols established by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, as well as other health authorities.”
“The highest standard is the one we will continue to follow. Keeping everyone healthy and safe is the #1 priority of the entire industry.”
The minimum wage this season has been raised to $13.40/hr for those under 18 and $14.25/hr for 18 and over.
“The steady increase in minimum wage rates should get young people excited to come out and work and be able to earn more money again this summer.”
Scollard also pointed out that these are just the minimum hourly rates.
“We will be continuing with our higher pay programs for experienced workers and those who come out and get the job done for us every day.”
Scollard added there are also opportunities available to take on leadership positions.
“As students gain experience they can start training and leading others, and get a pay raise as well,” he said.
“For many young people it’s their first real leadership position. And it’s valuable experience to have for other jobs. Whether you are new to detasseling or have some experience, the higher pay, bonus and leadership opportunity really rewards ambitious young workers.”
Detasselers need to be at least 13-years-old to register and leaders must be a minimum of 17-18 yrs old and have at least two years of detasseling experience.
QDC also hires numerous young adults and adults from the area for supervisory and bus driving positions.
“There are a quite a variety of jobs that need to be filled in order to have a successful detasseling season.”
The planting of the crop has gone quite well this spring. Although exact dates for detasseling will depend on growing conditions between now and into July, it should begin earlier than normal this year.
“Detasseling usually starts around mid-July but this season could begin about a week earlier. For anyone interested in coming out for work this year and planning a vacation, it would be best to take it in very early July or sometime in August.”
Although weather does play a big role in how the season unfolds, a typical day is six to eight hours.
“On hot days it’s best to wrap it up a bit earlier,” he said.
“It also helps motivate young people to come back out the next day too.”
QDC has six pick up locations and numerous buses operating throughout the area, including Bothwell and Thamesville, so there’s one close to everyone.
You can get more information about QDC and their student summer job opportunity, visit: www.JobsAtQDC.com
