Role overview
An Order Picker supports warehouse operations by locating items, assembling customer orders, and preparing shipments.
In Canada, this role is common in grocery distribution, retail/e-commerce fulfillment, and third-party logistics (3PL).
Your day typically combines accuracy (right item / right quantity) and pace (meeting pick rates) while following safety procedures.
RF scanning / pick lists
Accuracy checks
Staging & labeling
Shift work (varies)
Common warehouse setups
- E-commerce fulfillment: cart picking, packing stations, outbound sorting
- Distribution centers: pallet/case picking, staging lanes, shipping docks
- Cold storage (some sites): freezer/chilled zones with PPE and temperature rules
Pay range (gross) and what drives it
The figures below are gross hourly pay (before deductions). Actual offers vary by province, shift premiums, and experience.
| Profile |
Typical gross hourly pay |
Notes |
| Entry / training period |
17–19 CAD/h |
New to warehouse work; learning scanning, locations, packing rules |
| Standard picker |
19–22 CAD/h |
Meets rate targets; consistent accuracy; reliable attendance |
| Experienced / specialized |
21–23 CAD/h |
Fast/accurate; can work high-volume areas; may support staging or training |
Overtime and shift premiums may apply depending on employer policy and local regulations. Some sites also offer premiums for nights, weekends, or cold-storage environments.
What you’ll do (day-to-day)
- Pick items using RF scanner, pick-to-light, voice picking, or paper lists (site-dependent)
- Verify SKU, quantity, and expiry/lot rules when applicable
- Build stable pallets / totes; wrap, label, and stage orders for shipping
- Keep aisles clear; report damaged goods and location issues
- Follow safety rules around powered equipment, dock traffic, and manual handling
- Support cycle counts or spot checks (when assigned)
Accuracy matters as much as speed.
Requirements and helpful skills
Typical requirements
- Basic English for warehouse communication (labels, instructions, safety briefings)
- Reliability and punctuality (warehouses run on dispatch windows)
- Comfort with repetitive tasks and performance targets (rate/accuracy)
- Ability to follow SOPs and safety instructions
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada (see documents section)
Nice-to-have
- Experience with RF scanning, pick-to-light, WMS screens, or voice picking
- Previous work in grocery/retail DCs, e-commerce fulfillment, or 3PL warehouses
- Walkie/rider pallet jack familiarity (site-specific training rules apply)
- Comfort working in chilled/freezer zones (where relevant)
Physical demands (typical)
- Long periods standing/walking; frequent bending and reaching
- Lifting/carrying varies by site; team-lift rules apply where required
- Fast-paced work during peak periods (especially seasonal ramps)
Documents to work legally in Canada (high-level)
Employers can only hire candidates who are authorized to work in Canada. The exact pathway depends on your status and the employer’s hiring program.
- Work permit types: employer-specific (job-specific) permits vs open work permits (category-dependent)
- Identity documents: valid passport and supporting IDs (as required for your application)
- Checks may apply: background / police certificates and medical exam in specific cases
- Employer onboarding: proof of work authorization, tax/payroll setup, and site safety induction
This page is informational and does not replace official immigration guidance or employer instructions.
Work conditions in Canadian warehouses
- Schedule: day/evening/night shifts; peak season may add weekends or extra hours
- Overtime: often available during volume spikes; rules and premiums depend on province and employer policy
- Safety: mandatory orientation; PPE rules; equipment and dock safety procedures
- Tools & PPE: gloves/vest/boots may be required; some sites provide PPE or specify standards
- Deductions: typical payroll deductions apply; any site-specific deductions must be explained in your onboarding documents
- Training: on-the-job training is common; performance feedback is typically data-driven (scan accuracy, pick rate)
A realistic hiring story
Many warehouses scale headcount ahead of seasonal demand and promotional periods. Strong candidates are those who can ramp quickly:
learn locations, keep accuracy high, and stay consistent across shifts. If you have reliable attendance and can handle a fast tempo safely,
you tend to progress to better zones, steadier schedules, or higher-rate assignments.
Candidate fit
You are a good fit if you…
- prefer structured work with clear targets and measurable results
- can keep accuracy high even when the warehouse is busy
- learn quickly (locations, scanning flow, packing rules)
- are comfortable with shift work and dispatch deadlines
- follow safety procedures consistently, not “when convenient”
- can handle repetitive tasks without losing focus
- communicate clearly when something is damaged, missing, or unsafe
This role is not for you if you…
- dislike performance targets or routine quality checks
- struggle with punctuality or frequent schedule changes
- ignore safety rules or take shortcuts around equipment and docks
- need a sedentary job (this role is active most of the shift)
How to apply
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Include: warehouse experience (if any), shift availability, province preference, and relevant certificates
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges are indicative. Actual pay depends on province, overtime/shift premiums, experience and employer policy.