Quality Detasseling Contractors (QDC) is set to hire corn detasselers and leaders in the Wallaceburg, Dresden and surrounding areas again this summer.
Mike Scollard, owner of the company, says although acreage is down across Chatham-Kent from last year there are money making opportunities for both detasselers and leaders.
Good news for workers this year is that wage rates are up again.
The minimum wage this season has been raised to $14.60 per hour for those under 18 and $15.50 per hour for 18 and over.
“This steady increase in minimum wage rates should get young people excited to come out and work and be able to earn some money again this summer,” Scollard said, adding these are just the minimum hourly rates.
There is also an additional yearend pay and some travel time being allocated.
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 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,” Scollard said.
The planting of the crop has gone quite well this spring, although the lack of moisture was an issue.
“Recent rains were timely and needed. This has helped moved things along.”
Although exact dates for detasseling will depend on growing conditions between now and into July, a start in mid-July or so is likely.
“Detasseling usually starts around mid-July and this season should fit that pattern,” Scollard said.
“For anyone interested in coming out to work this year and also planning a vacation, it would be best to take it in the first two weeks of July or sometime toward the middle of August.”
Although weather does play a big role in how the season unfolds, a typical day can be six to eight hours.
“On hot days it’s best to wrap it up a bit earlier,” Scollard said.
“It also helps motivate young people to come back out the next day too.”
QDC has a number of pick up locations and buses operating through the area, so there’s one close to everyone, Scollard added.
You can get more information about QDC and their student summer job opportunity, visit: www.JobsAtQDC.com
– This story is sponsored content.
