Forklift Mechanic Jobs in Canada
Sector: Manufacturing & Maintenance · Typical gross pay: 23–40 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto/GTA), Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver)
Role & scope (Canada)
A Forklift Mechanic (often titled Forklift Technician or Material Handling Equipment Mechanic) keeps forklifts and warehouse equipment safe, compliant, and reliable. The role blends scheduled preventive maintenance with real-world troubleshooting: intermittent electrical faults, hydraulic leaks, steering/brake issues, mast/lift-chain wear, and battery/charging performance.
Typical employment formats: dealership service teams, fleet maintenance, or mobile field service supporting multiple sites. Expect a documentation-driven workflow (work orders, inspection checklists, parts traceability).
Typical gross hourly ranges (guide)
- Ontario (Toronto area): ~17.20–36.18 CAD/hour (gross)
- Alberta (Edmonton region): ~23.11–39.60 CAD/hour (gross)
- British Columbia: median ~32.00 CAD/hour (gross)
This is guidance for planning only. Actual rates depend on certification level, experience, employer, overtime, shift premium, and whether the role is shop-based or mobile field service.
Core responsibility areas
- Preventive maintenance (PM) inspections and safety checks
- Fault diagnosis: electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and control systems
- Repair execution, parts replacement, and return-to-service testing
- Service notes, inspection records, and compliance documentation
Detailed requirements (what employers typically expect)
Technical competence
- Mechanical fundamentals: bearings, driveline, steering, brakes, mast and carriage assemblies, lift chains, wear measurement
- Hydraulics: leak tracing, hose/fitting replacement, cylinder inspection, pressure/flow awareness, contamination control
- Electrical & controls: safe use of multimeter, wiring repair, connectors, sensors, intermittent faults, basic CAN-bus awareness (where applicable)
- Powertrain variety: electric (battery/charger), propane, diesel (depends on fleet)
- Diagnostics workflow: verify complaint → test → isolate → repair → validate → document
Work method & safety
- Strict safety mindset: lockout/tagout habits, stable lifting/hoisting practices, PPE usage
- Quality control: post-repair testing and safety re-checks before release
- Reliability: attendance, punctuality, consistent output
- Readiness for shift work, overtime, or on-call rotations (role-dependent)
- Clear communication with dispatch/service lead and site supervisors
Tools, paperwork, and daily reality
- Comfort with service tickets/work orders, inspection checklists, and parts requests
- Ability to work with manuals, wiring diagrams, and standard torque/spec procedures
- Field service roles may require driving between sites and working outdoors in winter conditions
- Professional conduct on customer sites: safety, cleanliness, and accurate reporting
Short candidate portrait (who fits this role)
You will likely do well if you
- Can explain past repairs clearly (symptoms, root cause, fix, verification)
- Prefer structured troubleshooting over guessing
- Work cleanly and keep parts/tools organized
- Know when to escalate (safety issues, repeat failures, major component damage)
This role may be difficult if you
- Dislike documentation or service ticket discipline
- Struggle with consistent attention to safety steps
- Prefer one environment only (some roles require both shop and field work)
Work conditions in Canada (practical overview)
Forklift mechanics in Canada commonly work in either a shop environment (fleet or dealership workshop) or as mobile field service. Field service typically adds travel time, variable site rules, and seasonal exposure to cold weather. Shop roles often have steadier workflow and tool access.
Schedule patterns
- Full-time schedules are typical; shift work depends on the client’s operating hours
- Overtime may occur during peak warehouse seasons or when equipment downtime is urgent
- Some employers use an on-call rotation for breakdown response
What employers frequently provide
- Standard PPE requirements and safety orientation
- Parts supply process and maintenance standards
- Service vehicle for mobile roles (employer-dependent)
- Training on specific brands/models (varies by employer)
Conditions vary widely across provinces, employers, and union/non-union environments. Always align expectations on schedule, site travel, and overtime rules before starting.
Work authorization & documents (Canada)
To work as a forklift mechanic in Canada, candidates must have legal work authorization. Employers may hire candidates who already have an open work permit or may support an employer-specific pathway depending on the situation and program rules.
Common authorization pathways (high-level)
- Employer-specific work permit: tied to one employer and role (often supported by an employer process)
- Open work permit: allows work for most employers (eligibility depends on personal status/category)
- LMIA-based vs LMIA-exempt: the employer route may differ depending on the program used
Final eligibility and documentation requirements depend on your citizenship, residence, and individual circumstances. Employer policy and Canadian authorities make the final decision.
Documents commonly requested (practical checklist)
- Valid passport
- CV and proof of experience (references, work history)
- Certificates/training records (trade courses, safety training, equipment-specific training)
- Clean, readable scan copies for application steps (when required)
- Medical exam and police certificate may be required depending on the case
How to apply (CV is mandatory)
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Include equipment types you repaired (electric/propane/diesel), diagnostics skills, and typical tasks
- Add locations (province/city), availability, and whether you can do field service
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges shown on this page are indicative gross ranges used for candidate planning. Actual offers depend on employer policy, experience, overtime, premiums, and local market conditions.
Related roles in Manufacturing & Maintenance
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Is the pay shown gross or net?
All pay ranges on this page are shown as gross (brutto) hourly rates in CAD.
What equipment will I work on?
Most roles cover electric, propane, or diesel forklifts, plus related warehouse equipment depending on the employer’s fleet.