How to become a specialized livestock worker or farm machinery operator
Official title: Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
Also called: Combine operator, Livestock driver, Cultivator operator, Livestock attendant, Custom combine operator, Farm equipment operator, Farm machinery operator, Livestock yardman/woman, Tractor operator - farm, Livestock yard attendant, Harvester machine operator, Threshing machine operator
Specialized livestock workers carry out feeding, health and breeding programs on dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, swine and other livestock farms. Farm machinery operators operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. They are employed on crop, livestock, fruit, vegetable and specialty farms.
Main tasks
- Specialized livestock workers
- Perform or assist in performing animal husbandry activities
- Implement pasture or pen breeding programs
- Develop and implement feeding programs
- Follow safety and bio-security procedures
- Detect and treat certain diseases and health problems in livestock
- Maintain livestock performance records
- Select livestock for sale
How to become one
Specialized livestock workers may require a college certificate or other specialized training in agriculture or livestock husbandry. There are no specific education or training requirements for farm machinery operators. However, a college certificate or specialized courses related to farming, such as farm equipment mechanics, agricultural welding 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.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $42,900 a year The middle half earn $35,100 to $52,650.
- About 29,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 32,000 are projected by 2033. (+10%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a specialized livestock worker or farm machinery operator?
Specialized livestock workers may require a college certificate or other specialized training in agriculture or livestock husbandry. There are no specific education or training requirements for farm machinery operators. However, a college certificate or specialized courses related to farming, such as farm equipment mechanics, agricultural welding 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.
How much does a specialized livestock worker or farm machinery operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $42,900 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $35,100 to $52,650.
Is a specialized livestock worker or farm machinery operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 29,100 to about 32,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a specialized livestock worker or farm machinery operator?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03