Material Application Specialist (Farm Machinery Operator)
Looking for a role where you can stay active and make a difference? We may have shroom for you. Come grow with us and be part of a team that's passionate about producing quality mushrooms.
Highline's Vision and Values:
Passionately nourish people, the environment and the community, through embracing our core values, which include:
We do the right thing, always. We lead the way. We are fanatical about quality. We are transparent in our relationships. We always consider the human element. We embrace diversity and inclusion.
General Duties:
Supervising the fill/ empty team and/or tunnels team, and ensuring their tasks are completed correctly
Assign and delegate tasks for the team
Ensuring each associate doing tasks has been trained and is able to operate/ complete that task safely
Ensuring the quality and density of the fill
Ensuring the beds are properly filled
Coordinate with the entire growing team to update on daily process regarding fill/ empty
Communicating with the Tunnel Operator to ensure daily operations are met
Assisting the grower on scheduling of associates to ensure proper manpower
Set up machinery
Operates the Head Filler (Casing Line – W)
Operates Pulling Winch
Operates Skid Steer and Forklift
Operate and/or ensure proper operation of Cassette Machine to move the raw compost material from tunnel to tunnel
Operate and/or ensure proper operation of the Emptying Winch, pulling the compost out of the tunnel for spawning and transfer of the spawned compost to growing rooms
Operate the fancom system, as needed
Organizes the assignment of work duties to the daily crew (Farm Hand) workers
Training associates on how to operate machinery properly and safely, such as head filler, pulling winch, and emptying winch
Ensures the mushroom compost is filled into the growing beds and ensures growing beds are emptied post-harvest
Ensures addition of mushroom spawn to compost material
Ensures addition of supplements to compost
Washing/cleaning and proper maintenance of Tunnels machinery and premises
Check ammonia levels, as needed
Driving farm vehicles, such as wagons, casing trucks, or dump trucks
General hygiene practices: cleaning aisles, shovelling, squeegee, etc.
Scheduling and organizing the team, as needed
Makes decisions on operations within the tunnels when needed
Maintains strict hygiene at all times
Performs any other duties that may be assigned
Embrace and support the Highline culture and values, acting as a brand ambassador at all times
Interact with others in a manner that promotes respect, confidentiality and dignity
Develop and actively foster an engaged work force, displaying professionalism at all times
Adheres to the Safety Policies, including use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment
Reports unsafe conditions immediately to the supervisor, direct report or member of safety team
Reports all incidents, injuries and near misses to the supervisor, direct report or Safety Advocate immediately
Cooperates in the Early and Safe Return to Work Program if an injury or medical illness requires accommodation.
Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) as trained
Adheres to all quality standards per customer specifications
Qualifications:
Must be at least 16 years of age.
Must be eligible to work in Canada without restrictions.
Core Work Experience
Mushroom Farm Operations: Minimum 1–2 years of experience working in a commercial mushroom cultivation facility, specifically handling Phase 3 (fully colonized) compost.
Filling & Casing Experience: Direct experience operating or working alongside head-filling machines, winches, and conveyor systems used to load compost and casing onto shelving nets or trays.
Compost Added at Casing (CAC-ing): Prior experience with CAC-ing techniques, including understanding how to properly layer, mix, or inoculate casing soil with colonized compost.
Technical & Machinery Skills
Heavy Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating forklifts, skid steers, or telehandlers to move heavy bulk Phase 3 compost blocks or bunkers into the filling area.
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to set up, calibrate, clean, and perform basic troubleshooting on filling/casing machinery to ensure even compost depth and uniform casing thickness (5–6 cm).
Sanitation Practices: Strong understanding of strict bio-security and hygiene protocols to prevent the cross-contamination of Phase 3 compost during the transfer process (e.g., proper tool sanitization, clean boots, avoiding pests/molds).
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Stamina & Strength: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) repeatedly and stand, bend, or pull pulling-nets for extended periods.
Environment Adaptability: Comfortable working in humid, dusty, or high-CO₂ environments (using proper PPE like respirators or masks during filling when dust/spores are present).
Hours of Work:
5 to 6 days / week
Approximately 30 to 60 hours / week; 8 to 14 hours / day
Public Holidays / Weekends as scheduled
Daily shift end times vary based on production needs
Earnings:
$23.65 Hourly
Shift Premium of $0.60 per hour for working on the afternoon shift
Benefits:
Extended health, vision and dental for associates and their eligible family members
Life insurance and dependent life insurance
Short term disability
Annual safety shoe allowance / reimbursement
Pension matching after 1 year
Overtime eligible
Discretionary Bonus, years of service increases and annual wage grid reviews
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Vacancies: 2
Locations of Work:
506 Mersea Rd. 5, Leamington, ON N8H 3V5
2646 Division Rd., Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5
How to Apply:
Through careers.highlinemushrooms.com,
On Indeed or Job Bank Canada
In person at 506 Mersea Rd. 5, Leamington, ON N8H 3V5
Highline encourages applications from all qualified candidates. When requested, Highline will accommodate people with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment, assessment and hiring process.
By submitting your application, you consent to being contacted by a representative of Highline via email, phone or text message regarding your application and potential career opportunities.
Please note that artificial intelligence tools are used to assist our recruitment team in screening, summarizing and sorting applicant profiles.
#EAST
- Department
- Growing
- Role
- Material Application Specialist Fill/Empty
- Location
- Leamington
- Salary
- CAD23.65/hour
About Highline Mushrooms
Highline Mushrooms is one of North America's leading mushroom growers, proudly producing fresh, organic, and sustainably grown mushrooms. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, driving innovation, quality, and a more sustainable future. Join a team where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.