Question 1

1. What does "roguing" mean?

Accepted Answer

"Roguing" is the act of walking through fields (typically canola, but also spinach, potato, corn, etc.) to pick plants that should not be there, also known as "rogue plants".

Question 2

2. Why is roguing important?

Accepted Answer

Producers are growing the parent seed for the canola fields of the next few years, so they must harvest "clean" crops that will go through government inspections. Producers cannot bring machinery into the fields without causing damage to the other plants, so we walk through the fields to pick up the "rogue plants".

Question 3

3. Why would I want to "rogue"?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural projects are a great way to get out, work with a fun team, and contribute to the food supply chain here in Southern Alberta. There are some opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills, and it's also a job that will allow you to take a summer break once the season is over. Join our team!

Question 4

4. What can I expect from this job?

Accepted Answer

If you join our team, you can expect to spend your days outdoors, early morning shifts, lots of walking, all types of weather, Monday through Saturday shifts, and overtime opportunities.

Question 5

5. What do I need to join a crew?

Accepted Answer

- Rubber boots
- Rain gear
- Bottle of water to take in the field
- We will provide you with: 2 sun shirts, gloves, safety glasses and a cord to carry your water bottle.

Question 6

6. I want to work with friends. How can I guarantee we are on the same crew?

Accepted Answer

In the application, you will see a section called "crew preference". Make a list of your friends' names in that section. We'll work to get you on the same crew so you can spend the summer together!

Question 7

7. What time does the bus leave in the morning?

Accepted Answer

Normally the bus leaves at 6:00 am. but on days that are expected to be very hot, the bus might leave as early as 5:00 a.m. You will expected to arrive between 10 and 15 minutes before departure. (We can also start a little later for the first few days so you can get used to this new job, but that depends on the location and the needs of the producer.)

Question 8

8. Which shifts am I expected to work?

Accepted Answer

We work from Monday to Saturday. Please note that if your crew is scheduled to work on a specific day and it is not pre-approved as a "day off", you are expected to come to work on that day.

Question 9

9. How long does the project last?

Accepted Answer

Agriculture depends on many things: weather, heat/cold, rain or lack of it, and many other things. So we can only provide an estimate, but a season could last 2-5 weeks.

Question 10

10. Should I have availability for the ENTIRE project?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you can work on most of the project, but not all of it, let us know how long you can commit to. We might get you working this summer.

Question 11

11. When am I getting paid?

Accepted Answer

When working with Select, you will get paid every Friday for the previous week of work. Your first payment will be made the FOLLOWING Friday after your first week.

Question 12

12. How do I ask for a day off?

Accepted Answer

Days off are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you request your day off, the more likely you will have it approved.

If you know you'll need a day off, include it in your application. If you have already submitted your application and did not indicate the day you need, please call the Project Coordinator as soon as possible. The Project Coordinator will inform you if your application was approved. Keep in mind that if your application is not approved, you are expected to attend work that day.

Question 13

13. How do I call in sick?

Accepted Answer

Please call Ag Line: 403-795-0561

This line is staffed 24 hours a day. It is important that you call as soon as possible. Not showing up without prior notice may result in termination.

Question 14

14. Who should I tell if I get injured?

Accepted Answer

You must immediately inform your Lead Hand in the field. If you realize you have been injured after you get home, call the Emergencies Number: 403-634-6013

Always report any injuries!

Question 15

15. Am I guaranteed job or certain hours?

Accepted Answer

No. Work is considered casual and temporary, based on availability and performance. Schedules are not guaranteed and may change due to workload, weather conditions, field conditions and client requirements.

Question 16

16. I like to listen to music while I work. Can I have my cell with me in the field?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, but for safety reasons, you can only use one ear bud. You still need to be able to listen for directions and instructions from your Lead Hand.  Any other activity on your cell phone needs to be reserved for breaks, however.

Note: please be careful with your cell.  Plants can grow very tall and if you drop your phone, you likely won’t find it back.  At the end of the day, the bus will not wait to let you search for your phone.  If you decide to bring it to the field, make sure it’s in a secure and possibly waterproof pouch / pocket.

Question 17

17. I have other questions. Who can I call?

Accepted Answer

Call our office at 403-382-3669. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Frequently Asked Questions