Working at QDC
So you’ve found the job that fits...
Great! To get it, make some money, and have the things you want, you'll have to apply. But first, check out what you can expect working at QDC.
Jump to a specific section:
Get Ready to Earn Some Money
Here's where you'll be working!
Bus transportation is provided from many locations throughout Kent and Lambton counties including: Dresden, Bothwell, Florence, Rutherford, Thamesville, Wallaceburg and surrounding areas.
Pickup Locations
If you have seen or received any of our marketing or advertising in your area, you can be sure that we have a pick-up location close to you!
We inform you of your nearest pick-up time and location when you apply.
Have your friends apply and come out to make a lot of money too! You can also earn extra $$$.
Starting Dates
Detasseling usually begins by mid-July, depending on weather and planting. As the season gets closer, we can provide more accurate start dates.
We will give at least two days notice for starting your job whenever possible.
Length of Season
The season usually lasts 3–4 weeks and runs from approximately mid-July to mid-August. Plan on reserving this block of summer for working and making money!
Length of Workday
This can vary depending on weather conditions and amount of work on a particular day. We always start first thing in the morning and try to end the day by mid afternoon at the latest.
Some days may be shorter or on others we may have to work a bit later into the afternoon.
Because the length of workday may vary, drop off times will as well.
Quick Start Training™
QDC is the only company that uses professionally developed training. It can really help you to earn more.
The systems we use were co-developed with the Canadian Training and Development Group (Mississauga), an accredited business training institution.
No matter your position…
…our Quick Start Training™ allows you to excel at that job and then move quickly up to the next. And that helps you earn more money!
Some of the training we provide was designed specifically to address the needs of younger people. It is based on using coaching and positive reinforcement.
Advanced Training
Our more advanced training deals with crew and field management, but also teaches Advanced Leadership Skills, Performance Measurement, and Train the Trainer. These are leadership skills that are in demand for all kinds of jobs!
Former QDC Supervisors and Leaders have attributed their continued success in fields such as Law, Education, and Professional Coaching at least in part to this training.
“The training and experience I received at QDC helped me in a big way through University, and I still use it now as a professional hockey coach.”
— M.Z., Birmingham, Alabama
Safety
Our exceptional safety record & continuing efforts to ensure our workers safety has been recognized by the Workplace Safety Board.
This has been achieved by our commitment to the following practices:
Safety Training
All workers are given safety training on their first day of work.
Protective Equipment
We provide approved hats, safety glasses and gloves. Once issued, you must bring them to work every day.
First Aid
First aid supplies — and staff certified in First Aid — are always close at hand.
Facilities
At least one portable toilet is located at every field worksite. Wet wipes are available for hand cleaning.
Footwear
Shoes must be worn at all times. Required footwear is a lace up closed-toe shoe with a solid sole (no sandals or crocs).
Sun
All workers are required to wear shirts and hats as protection from sunburn, and should have sunscreen. We also have sunscreen available.
Water
All workers are encouraged to bring 4 litres (1 Gal.) of water. We also maintain a backup supply at all times.
What You'll Need
To be comfortable this summer working outside, there are some things you need to bring.
Lunch
Make sure it's a "large size" with a lot of snacks. You can burn a lot of energy working outside for the day.
Water
You must bring a minimum of 4 litres of water for personal use. Some days you may not drink it all, but on hot days you’ll want it.
Raingear
There are times you will work when it's wet, and some mornings there is dew on the corn. For this reason you will want some type of raingear to stay dry.
Sungear
Working in the field, you will be exposed to the summer sun. You should have a light long sleeved shirt and sunscreen. We provide hats and also have sunscreen available.
Footwear
Good footwear is a must. The more solid the sole the better. No open-toed shoes, sandals or Crocs allowed.
Payment Policies
At QDC our pay policies are straightforward, honest, and fair.
Everyone is paid for every hour worked.
Attendance and hours worked are recorded and input daily. Every effort is made to maintain accurate payroll data.
Top performance is encouraged and rewarded.
Our Accelerated Bonus System allows all detasselers and crew leaders to earn higher wages and bonuses.
QA and Field Supervisors earn more through Bonus/Profit Sharing.
If we have made an error, we will fix it.
New or experienced, you will earn more working for QDC.