As e-commerce and retail industries continue to expand in Canada, there’s a growing demand for order picker positions in warehouses and distribution centers. These roles are critical in ensuring the efficient handling and shipping of products, meeting the surge in online shopping needs, and maintaining customer satisfaction across various sectors. For skilled foreign workers looking for opportunities abroad, Canada offers promising prospects with visa sponsorship, facilitating a pathway to gainful employment and potential long-term residency.
Overview of Order Picker Jobs in Canada
Order pickers are integral to the logistics operations, ensuring products are accurately selected and prepared for shipment. The role is dynamic and requires a high level of precision to manage the fast-paced environment of a modern warehouse.
Visa Sponsorship
Many Canadian companies are open to sponsoring visas for qualified international candidates, especially when there’s a shortage of local skilled workers. This sponsorship is a key advantage, offering workers from abroad legal authorization to live and work in Canada.
Highlighted Job Openings with Visa Sponsorship
Below are detailed descriptions of order picker positions available across Canada, each offering competitive compensation and the potential for career advancement:
1. Uline – St. Albert, AB
- Pay: $30–$34 per hour
- Type: Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Accurately assemble and ship orders promptly.
- Progress within the warehouse career path to more advanced roles.
- Receive training on order picker and forklift equipment.
- Uphold industry-leading safety standards.
- Collaborate effectively with the Warehouse Management Team.
- Engage daily in inbound warehouse operations.
- Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Desire to work in a fast-paced, organized, and dynamic environment.
- Ability to lift packages weighing up to 50 lbs, and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
- Full-time availability with flexibility for overtime as needed.
- Keen precision and outstanding organizational abilities.
2. Buns Master Bakery – Langley, BC
- Pay: $18 per hour
- Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Bag, box, or parcel purchases for customer shipments or deliveries.
- Retrieve articles for customers from the shelf or stockroom.
- Unpack and sort products received by the store.
- Maintain and update computerized stock inventory.
- Stock shelves and keep display areas organized and clean.
- Label merchandise using stamps or stickers as per the pricing guide.
- Perform general cleaning duties, including sweeping and mopping.
- Requirements:
- A minimum of seven months up to one year of applicable experience.
- Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.
3. The Home Depot Canada – Carleton Place, ON
- Pay: From $18.75 per hour
- Type: Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Select, arrange, and confirm orders for delivery or collection.
- Operate forklift machinery to expedite customer orders effectively.
- Assist customers at the service desk with inquiries, call handling, cash register operations, and return processing.
- Manage inventory using computer terminals or Home Depot portable phones.
- Plan and prepare for future deliveries to streamline processes.
- Requirements:
- Flexible schedule availability, including evenings and weekends.
- Computer skills for managing inventory.
- Experience with forklifts or lift trucks is beneficial.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
4. TIRE HOTEL INC – Woodbridge, ON
- Pay: $22 per hour
- Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Pack, box, or wrap purchases for customers for delivery.
- Operate forklifts to manage inventory and facilitate order processing.
- Perform order picking tasks accurately to fulfill customer orders.
- Uphold a tidy and secure workspace as per industry norms.
- Collaborate with warehouse staff to optimize the storage and retrieval processes.
- Confirm that all goods are correctly tagged and stowed.
- Participate in inventory audits to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Proven experience operating forklifts and other warehouse machinery.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and managing physically demanding tasks.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Robust relational and communicative abilities for effective teamwork.
- Full-time availability, including potential overtime and weekend shifts as needed.
- Eligibility for visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
5. Kaiser Foods (Alberta) Ltd. – Calgary, AB
- Pay: $16 per hour
- Type: Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Accurately pick orders from warehouse stock based on customer purchase orders.
- Assist in packaging and preparing items for shipment or customer pickup.
- Maintain strict inventory controls and conduct regular stock checks.
- Keep the work environment clean and organized to uphold safety and efficiency.
- Cooperate with fellow team members to achieve daily output goals.
- Update inventory management software with accurate data on stock movements.
- Provide excellent customer service when interacting with clients during order pickups.
- Requirements:
- Previous experience in an order picking or general warehouse role preferred.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks repeatedly over the course of a shift.
- Basic computer skills for managing digital inventory records.
- Strong numeric and reading skills to accurately process orders.
- A collaborative member known for consistent dependability.
- Flexible availability, ready to work in shifts and adapt to overtime requirements.
- A valid work permit or eligibility for visa sponsorship under Canadian immigration guidelines.
6. Premium Uniforms Inc. – Etobicoke, ON
- Pay: $16.55–$18.00 per hour
- Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Responsibilities:
- Handle and process incoming stock and materials.
- Pick, pack, and dispatch outgoing orders to ensure they are correct and shipped on time.
- Operate handling equipment and ensure safety procedures are followed.
- Examine items for flaws and imperfections and document any inconsistencies.
- Engage in thorough stock control to maintain the warehouse inventory levels.
- Maintain standards of health and safety, cleanliness and security in the work environment.
- Assist in conducting cycle counts and inventory audits.
- Requirements:
- Prior experience in warehouse operations or a similar role is advantageous.
- Capable of handling manual tasks with physical stamina required for heavy lifting.
- Keen attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in order fulfillment.
- Proficiency in using warehouse equipment, including pallet jacks and forklifts.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Eligible for a Canadian visa sponsorship, facilitating international applicants.
How to Apply Order Picker Jobs in Canada
Applying for order picker jobs in Canada, especially those with visa sponsorship, involves a systematic approach to ensure you effectively showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for these positions:
1. Prepare Your Application Materials
- Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter specifically for the order picker role. Highlight relevant experience such as inventory management, package handling, forklift operation, and any other logistics-related skills. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and include any certifications that may enhance your application.
- Certifications: If the job requires specific certifications (like forklift operation), make sure you have them up-to-date and include copies with your application.
- References: Have a list of professional references ready, ideally from previous employers or supervisors who can vouch for your reliability and work ethic.
2. Research Potential Employers
- Company Research: Before applying, research the companies offering visa sponsorship for order picker jobs. Understand their business model, warehouse operations, and company culture. This information can help tailor your application to align with their specific needs and values.
- Vacancy Alerts: Sign up for job alerts from Canadian job boards, company career pages, and recruitment agencies that specialize in logistics and warehouse positions.
3. Apply for the Job
- Online Applications: Most companies prefer online applications either through their own website or through a job portal. Make sure to fill out all sections of the application form thoroughly and accurately.
- Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions specified in the job posting. Some employers might require you to answer specific questions or submit additional documents like a portfolio or a more detailed list of qualifications.
4. Visa Sponsorship Considerations
- Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship. This typically involves having a certain level of education or work experience. Some jobs may require you to have a Canadian work permit or be eligible to obtain one.
- LMIA: Understand that your employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The LMIA proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
5. Prepare for the Interview
- Research Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to order picking, warehouse logistics, and customer service scenarios.
- Mock Interviews: Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and improve your interview skills.
6. Follow-Up
- Thank You Note: After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Stay in Touch: If you haven’t heard back within the specified timeframe, it’s appropriate to follow up with a polite email inquiring about the status of your application.
7. Accepting an Offer
- Review the Offer: Carefully review the job offer, paying special attention to the salary, benefits, work hours, and the specifics of the visa sponsorship.
- Negotiation: If necessary, don’t hesitate to negotiate the terms of the offer. Discuss aspects like salary, start dates, or additional benefits before accepting.
8. Visa and Relocation
- Visa Application: Work closely with your new employer to complete any necessary visa application processes.
- Relocation: Begin planning for your relocation to Canada, including housing, transportation, and settling into your new community.
Conclusion
These positions represent just a few of the numerous opportunities available across Canada for skilled order pickers. Each role offers competitive wages, comprehensive job responsibilities, and the potential for long-term career development. For international applicants, these jobs provide a viable pathway to enter Canada through visa sponsorship, allowing them to contribute to the vibrant Canadian economy while gaining valuable international work experience.
As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow, especially in the logistics and distribution sectors, staying informed and prepared can significantly increase your chances of securing a rewarding position in Canada.