Dock Stocker / Forklift Operator

Company: Randstad (Client: Global Lawn & Garden Leader)

Location: Balzac, AB (Just north of Calgary)

Pay: $19.50 per hour

Employment Type: Seasonal Contractor (Full-Time)

Clean Professional Job Summary

Randstad Canada is seeking precision-focused Dock Stocker Operators to support a global leader in lawn and garden products at their Balzac distribution hub. This high-energy role is critical to managing the “seasonal surge” as garden essentials are prepared for spring and summer distribution. Operating in a modern, organized environment, you will be responsible for the rapid loading and unloading of trailers and the strategic staging of outbound freight. This position is ideal for a certified operator who values a stable, weekday-only schedule and wants to work within a safety-first culture during a high-impact project.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation: Safely and efficiently operate a Dock Stocker forklift to navigate tight warehouse aisles and high-traffic loading zones.
Inbound/Outbound Logistics: Rapidly clear incoming trailers and organize lawn care products for outbound shipping.
Dock Management: Stage seasonal products accurately to ensure efficient loading sequences and prevent bottlenecks on the shipping dock.
Safety & Maintenance: Perform mandatory daily pre-shift equipment inspections and maintain a workspace free of hazards and debris.
Inventory Accuracy: Ensure that products are placed in correct staging lanes to maintain 100% shipping accuracy during peak volume periods.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience: Proven, hands-on experience specifically operating a Dock Stocker forklift (Stand-up).
Certification: Must hold a valid forklift certification or demonstrate the ability to pass a practical on-site competency test.
Commitment: Demonstrated reliability and the ability to commit to the full duration of the seasonal project.
Safety Gear: Ownership of CSA-approved steel-toed boots is mandatory.
Pace: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift based on trailer arrival times.

About the Company

Randstad Canada is the nation’s premier staffing agency, providing a bridge between skilled industrial workers and world-class organizations. The client in Balzac is a dominant global brand in the lawn and garden industry, known for its commitment to quality and large-scale distribution. The Balzac facility is a state-of-the-art hub that serves as a central point for Western Canadian retail distribution. Employees here benefit from a clean, modern workspace and a culture that values the “muscle” behind the brand, offering weekly pay and a comprehensive benefits package via Randstad.

Market & Industry Context: The Balzac Logistics Corridor

Balzac, Alberta, has become the “Gold Coast” of Canadian logistics due to its tax advantages and proximity to major shipping routes. In 2026, this corridor hosts some of the largest automated and semi-automated distribution centers in North America.

The Dock Stocker is a specialized tool in the 2026 warehouse landscape. Unlike standard counterbalance forklifts, Dock Stockers are designed for high-density environments where space is at a premium. Operators who specialize in this equipment are in high demand during the “Spring Surge” (March–June). In Balzac’s competitive labor market, holding a specialized stand-up ticket often leads to more stable hours and faster placement compared to general warehouse labor.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Lead Hand: Advance into a leadership role overseeing dock flow and managing a team of operators during peak shifts.
Inventory Specialist: Transition into an analytical role using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track stock levels and movement patterns.
Cross-Training: Leverage this experience to gain certification on Reach Trucks, Order Pickers, or Combi-lifts, increasing your versatility in the Balzac corridor.
Safety Trainer: Become a site safety advocate or a certified trainer, leading orientations for new seasonal hires.

Interview Preparation Insights

The “Stand-Up” Question: Be ready to discuss the specific nuances of operating a stand-up Dock Stocker versus a sit-down forklift, particularly regarding visibility and maneuvering in trailers.
Volume Management: Prepare an example of how you maintained accuracy while working under a tight deadline to clear a specific number of trailers.
Safety Protocol: You will likely be asked about your “pre-trip” inspection routine. Be specific about what you check (brakes, hydraulics, battery, horn).
Reliability: Emphasize your ability to commit to the 7:00 AM start time; punctuality is a top priority for this high-velocity client.

Estimated Salary & Benefits

Rate: $19.50 per hour (Weekly pay via direct deposit).
Shift: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Perks: Access to Randstad’s comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, and disability) from day one.

Work Environment & Location Insights

Environment: Clean, modern, and highly organized. Expect a high-energy “vibe” as the team gears up for the busy spring season.
Location: Balzac, AB. This location is approximately 20 minutes north of Calgary; reliable transportation is required as transit options to Balzac are limited.
Diversity Statistics: The logistics and warehousing sector in Alberta is one of the province’s most diverse industries. As of 2026, approximately 41% of the workforce in this sector consists of individuals from visible minority groups, including substantial representation from South Asian (12%) and Filipino (9%) communities. Randstad Canada remains committed to fostering a workforce that reflects this vibrant demographic mosaic.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Randstad Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively remove systemic barriers to ensure full participation for all employees, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQ2+ community. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process via accessibility@randstad.ca.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Randstad
Location	Balzac, AB (Just north of Calgary)
Hourly Rate	$19.50 (Weekly pay via direct deposit)
Schedule	Monday – Friday (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
Employment Type	Seasonal Contract
Required Gear	CSA-approved steel-toed boots
Primary Skill	Dock Stocker forklift operation
Benefits	Comprehensive package available through Randstad

Key Responsibilities & Logistics

This role is specifically centered on managing high-volume inventory during the “busy season” for outdoor and garden products.

Heavy Volume Loading: Safely operating Dock Stocker forklifts to clear trailers and move seasonal garden items.
Staging & Organizing: Coordinating the shipping dock to handle outbound surges and staging products for efficient transport.
Safety Checks: Conducting daily pre-shift inspections on equipment and maintaining a hazard-free work zone.
Independence & Precision: Thriving in a high-energy, fast-paced environment where precision in placement is required.

2026 Workforce & Market Demographics

The warehousing and logistics sector in the Calgary-Balzac corridor is a major driver of regional employment. According to updated 2025–2026 labor data from Statistics Canada:

Regional Growth: The Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) grew by 5.6% in 2023 and is projected to add another 110,000 residents by 2027, sustaining high demand for logistics roles.
Demographic Representation: * Approximately 41% of Calgary’s total population identifies as a member of a visible minority group.
- Nationally, the “Warehousing and Storage” sector (NAICS 4931) is comprised of 37% visible minorities.
- Specifically, in the broader transportation and warehousing sector, South Asian (24.4%) and Black (7.8%) workers represent significant portions of the workforce as of early 2026.
Employment Outlook: The youth unemployment rate in the Calgary Economic Region is 16.5% as of late 2025, making these entry-to-mid-level operator roles highly competitive for newer workers.

Application Readiness

Location Note: Balzac is located just north of Calgary city limits. Ensure you have reliable transportation, as transit options to industrial parks in Balzac can be limited during the 7:00 AM start time.
Certification: If you have a valid ticket, attach it to your application. If not, be prepared for an on-site practical test to demonstrate your competence on the Dock Stocker.
Seasonality: This is a seasonal project; emphasize your ability to commit to the full duration of the spring/summer surge in your application.

To apply for this job please visit www.randstad.com.