8 CAAR COMMUNICATOR HUMAN RESOURCES Although not often considered when talking about farmers and food processors, the agricultural and food industries do rely heavily on skilled trades such as electricians, mechanics, and welders, with a nationwide demand for these essential roles. Through an analysis of job postings on AgCareers.com, it is possible for one to evaluate roles by career type and then identify those with the highest demand. Currently, truck drivers and custom applicators are experiencing the most significant increases in demand within agricultural skilled trades. Custom Applicators: The demand for custom applicator and pest control positions has nearly doubled in the past year, according to the data from AgCareers.com. Custom applicators are typically required to hold an applicator’s license and are tasked with the proper operation of spray equipment and the application of pesticides or fertilizers in the fields. For the custom applicator, knowledge to operate and maintain all equipment and vehicles, such as sprayers, spreaders, trucks, etc., is key, as is the mixing, loading, and application of these pesticides and fertilizers. AgCareers.com offers the following tips when posting jobs and hiring custom applicators. Pay is Vital Include compensation within the job posting. On AgCareers.com, jobs with a completed salary field receive twice as much traffic as jobs without salary information. Jobs with a specific number in the salary field have higher job views than jobs with just text (such as “competitive”). Specific pay numbers or a salary range in the compensation field create the best timesaving filter for both employers and the candidate. Plus, higher compensation is the top motivator for people to consider a new job opportunity, as revealed in the AgCareers.com Candidate & Employee Benefits Survey. Benefits Matter Beyond pay, additional benefits are a powerful incentive for job seekers. While the AgCareers.com benefits survey found that flexibility was the most important perk, respondents with an apprenticeship certificate or high school diploma placed the highest importance on vehicle benefits compared to other education levels. It’s also important that one doesn’t neglect to include a comprehensive benefits overview within the job posting. Highlight Professional Development & Training For many people seeking employment, growth in their skillset is as important as financial compensation. Will you provide on-the-job training? Will your organization cover the costs of certifications or licensing requirements? If so—highlight it in the job posting. If not, reconsider. According to the AgCareers.com skills survey, over 80 percent of all of the participating employers funded individual employee professional development. By applying the tips noted here, we can forecast agricultural growth in the key trade areas of truck driving, pesticide application, and more, offering promising career paths for individuals through 2025. fotokostic/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo CUSTOM APPLICATORS SEEING STRONG DEMAND IN 2025 Explore future-proof careers in agriculture, focusing on roles like truck drivers and custom applicators poised for growth. AgCareers.com Tractor spraying pesticides over spring crops is a common site on Canadian farms, but there is a shortage of people who know how to properly prep and mix the formulations.
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