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materials handler jobs in canada

all about material handler jobs

Material handlers are essential in manufacturing, retail and wholesale enterprises, the building trades, trucking, transportation, and warehousing. Material handlers typically work in a warehouse setting or production facility.

While your specific role and duties will vary based on the company you work for and the products being shipped and produced, your main role involves loading and unloading materials from trucks and ensuring they are in the right location. Some workers in this field are called longshoremen and may also have other job titles.

materials handler jobs in canada

what material handler jobs entail

Material handler jobs usually involve work in a warehouse. Since the job requires lifting and moving materials from trucks, pallets, or racks, steel-toed shoes and other protective gear are essential. Most material handlers work shifts, which may include working nights or weekends. Material handlers usually report to a warehouse manager or supervisor. It's increasingly common for material handlers to work with automated machines, sensors and other handheld devices.

materials handler jobs in canada

average material handler salaries

The entry level wage for material handlers in Canada ranges from $13 to $15 per hour, or $27,000 to $31,000 annually. Material handler salaries can reach as high as $20 per hour with 5+ years of experience, or up to $45,000 annually.

You may be able to make additional money by taking on additional responsibilities such as becoming shift foreman. You may also be able to earn shift premiums by working nights or weekends. Certain regions in Canada also may pay higher, and you may be able to start at a higher entry level salary if you have in-demand skills and experience.

salaries across canada

  • toronto material handler salary

    $13.90 to $19.70 per hour

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  • vancouver material handler salary

    $14.40 to $20.30 per hour

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  • montreal material handler salary

    $13.20 to $18.70 per hour

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  • calgary material handler salary

    $14.30 to $20.30 per hour

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materials handler jobs in canada

your day to day tasks

Material handlers accept, count, and then move incoming deliveries to the warehouse or specific departments, properly place items for storage and access, move materials around as needed, and may deliver outgoing materials to the shipping area. Typical duties include:

  • identifying, transporting, packing, and disposing of various materials
  • inventory management
  • shipping, loading and unloading trucks
  • order fulfillment and tracking
  • tracking down lost or missing products
  • stocking production areas
  • general maintenance and repair
  • keeping the warehouse safe
materials handler jobs in canada

where you can work

Material handlers accept, count, and then move incoming deliveries to the warehouse or specific departments, properly place items for storage and access, move materials around as needed, and may deliver outgoing materials to the shipping area. Typical duties include:

  • identifying, transporting, packing, and disposing of various materials
  • inventory management
  • shipping, loading and unloading trucks
  • order fulfillment and tracking
  • tracking down lost or missing products
  • stocking production areas
  • general maintenance and repair
  • keeping the warehouse safe

material handler jobs in canada

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what you bring to the table

Material handlers must be able to follow directions and communicate clearly with other departments and workers. Ideal candidates to be Material Handlers have good organizational skills, which are crucial to delivering the right materials to the warehouse and later retrieving them for use or shipping. Since many Material Handlers use a forklift, crane, or other machinery, accurate spatial perception is also important.

To get considered for a position, the following skills and attributes are an asset:

  • ability to follow directions
  • physical strength and endurance
  • work under tight deadlines
  • organization and time management skills
  • analyzing information and data
  • data entry skills
  • proficient with inventory management software and tracking devices

training and certifications

While there are no formal education requirements, most companies prefer a high school education. Proficiency in English or French is also usually required. Many companies prefer new hires to have experience with material handling machinery and warehouse operations. Additional training is often provided by the company you work for.

Material handlers may also be required to pass safety courses in the use of lift trucks and other equipment. Some local school boards and organizations offer these courses and taking these courses will be an asset when looking for positions.

where your career is headed

Employment prospects in this field in Canada remain steady and will be for the foreseeable future. Material handlers can advance to lateral or supervisory positions in the warehouse or to other positions that may require additional training on machines used in the industry. Some material handlers specialize in working in a specific industry or type of warehouse/production facility.

Employers, need material handling personnel? We can match you with trained, experienced personnel who'll keep your products moving. Find out how we can help with your recruitment strategy.

latest material handler jobs available

  • Material Handler Barrie

    2019-04-18 Barrie, Ontario Permanent $ 17.50 per hour

    We are looking for Forklift Lead operators for Permanent Positions in Bradford Only apply if you want permanent full time with Benefits and can start asap This is a great opportunity to work for a large and growing Company with an opportunity to grow with it Our Client values and respects their ...

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  • Warehouse Material Handler / Fabricator | $19.86 | Delta (Tilbury)

    2019-04-18 Delta, British Columbia Permanent $ 19.86 per hour

    Are you looking to start or grow a career in Logistics and Warehousing? Would you describe yourself as someone who likes to work with their hands? We would love to hear from you! This Pipe Shop worker position is responsible for preparing the pipes as per customer order requirements through a ...

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