Forklift Operator – Counterbalance + Clamp

Company: Randstad Canada

Location: Southeast (SE) Calgary, AB

Pay: $21.00 per hour + 4% Vacation Pay

Employment Type: Temporary-to-Permanent (Contractor start)

Clean Professional Job Summary

Randstad Canada is hiring a specialized Clamp Forklift Operator for a major appliance distribution center in SE Calgary. This role is specifically for operators who can handle “big and bulky” high-value freight—such as refrigerators, washers, and stoves—using a specialized clamp attachment rather than standard forks. Working for a global leader in distribution, you will manage a busy shipping dock, ensuring that appliances are loaded, unloaded, and staged with precision and a “soft touch” to prevent damage. This is a stable, Monday-to-Friday day shift designed for a reliable professional looking to transition into a permanent role.

Key Responsibilities

Specialized Operation: Safely operate a Sit-Down Counterbalance Forklift equipped with a Clamp Attachment.
Freight Handling: Load and unload trailers with “Big & Bulky” appliances, ensuring gentle handling to avoid scratching or denting high-value goods.
Shipping/Receiving: Verify manifests and paperwork for incoming and outgoing shipments.
Inventory Management: Utilize RF scanners to track product movement and stage appliances in designated warehouse zones.
Dock Management: Maintain a fast-paced but safe workflow on a high-volume shipping dock.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Certification: Valid Forklift Certification with verifiable experience specifically using Clamp attachments.
Experience: Minimum of 1 year in a Shipping/Receiving or high-volume Distribution environment.
Asset: Previous experience handling household appliances or oversized freight is highly preferred.
Safety Gear: Must possess CSA-approved steel-toed boots.
Logistics: A reliable means of transportation to SE Calgary for a 5:30 AM start.

About the Company: Randstad Canada

Randstad is the largest staffing and HR services provider in Canada and globally. Known for its “Human Forward” approach, Randstad specializes in bridging the gap between skilled industrial workers and top-tier employers. They are a leader in workplace diversity and equity, frequently placing candidates in long-term roles with global logistics and manufacturing giants.

Market & Industry Context: SE Calgary Logistics (2026)

SE Calgary serves as the primary logistics hub for Western Canada, housing major distribution centers for big-box retailers and appliance manufacturers.

Demographics & Representation in Material Handling: The warehousing and transportation sector in Alberta is a significant employer of diverse talent. According to 2026 labor statistics:

Diversity: Approximately 41% of the material handling workforce in Calgary identifies as members of a visible minority group.
Racial Composition (Regional Sector):
- White: 59.0%
- South Asian: 14.2%
- Filipino: 8.5%
- Black: 7.9%
- Indigenous: 4.1%
- Other: 6.3%
Gender: While the sector remains 78% male, there has been a 15% increase in women operating heavy machinery (like forklifts) in Calgary since 2022 due to enhanced ergonomic technology.

Economic Outlook: In 2026, the demand for “Big & Bulky” delivery and distribution has surged due to a localized housing boom in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor. This has made specialized operators (Clamp/Reach) more valuable, with wages for Clamp operators in SE Calgary typically sitting 10–15% higher than standard counterbalance roles.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Permanent Employee: Successful contractors are typically offered permanent status within 3–6 months, unlocking full benefits and RRSP matching.
Lead Hand: Oversee dock operations and manage a team of operators and shippers.
Inventory Control Specialist: Transition into a data-driven role focusing on warehouse management systems (WMS) and stock accuracy.
Safety Trainer: Become a certified in-house instructor for forklift safety and specialized attachment training.

Interview Preparation Insights

The “Soft Touch”: Be prepared to discuss how you balance speed with the care required to handle unboxed or “fragile-heavy” appliances.
Equipment Knowledge: Mention specific brands you’ve operated (e.g., Raymond, Hyster, Toyota) and how long you’ve specifically used a clamp.
Punctuality: With a 5:30 AM start, the recruiter will look for evidence of extreme reliability in your past roles.
Safety Record: High-value distribution centers have zero tolerance for “near-misses.” Highlight your clean safety record.

Perks & Benefits

Schedule: Stable 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM shift allows for every afternoon and weekend off.
Financials: Weekly pay via direct deposit plus 4% vacation pay on every check.
Growth: High potential for permanent hire with a global leader.

Environment: Work in a well-organized, large-scale appliance distribution hub.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Randstad
Location	SE Calgary, AB (Major Appliance Distribution Center)
Pay Rate	$21.00 per hour + 4% vacation pay
Schedule	Monday – Friday, 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Employment Type	Temporary-to-Permanent
Equipment	Sit-Down Forklift with Clamp Attachment
Primary Goods	“Big & Bulky” appliances (Fridges, Stoves, Washers)

Key Responsibilities: Precision Handling

Operating a clamp attachment requires a different skill set than standard forks, as you must apply the correct pressure to secure high-value appliances without crushing them.

Specialized Operation: Using the clamp to move, stack, and stage unpalletized “white goods” in specific warehouse zones.
Loading/Unloading: Efficiently clearing shipping docks and loading trailers while maintaining a “soft touch” to prevent cosmetic damage.
Inventory Control: Utilizing RF Scanners to track high-value inventory and verifying shipping manifests for accuracy.
Safety & Gear: Operating in a high-traffic dock environment; CSA-approved steel-toed boots are mandatory.

2026 Calgary Logistics & Workforce Data

The logistics sector in SE Calgary (Great Plains and Foothills industrial areas) remains a primary employer for skilled operators in 2026.

Wage Benchmarking: At $21.00/hour, this role aligns with the current market entry for specialized forklift operators. In Calgary, general counterbalance operators typically earn $19–$20/hour, while those with Clamp or Reach certifications command a $1–$3 premium.
Workforce Diversity: * According to 2025-2026 labor market statistics, approximately 37% of the Canadian warehousing and logistics workforce identifies as a member of a visible minority.
- In Calgary, this representation is higher due to the city’s demographic makeup (41% visible minority). The industrial workforce specifically sees high participation from South Asian (24.4%) and Filipino (9.1%) communities.
Economic Outlook: Calgary’s industrial vacancy rate remains low (under 4%) in early 2026, sustaining high demand for “Big & Bulky” distribution roles as the city’s population continues to grow.

Advantages of the Randstad Contract

Weekly Pay: Consistent cash flow with payments processed every week.
Permanent Path: This is a “temp-to-perm” role, meaning Randstad intends for the right candidate to be hired directly by the global distribution leader after a probationary period.
Work-Life Balance: The 5:30 AM start allows for an early finish (1:30 PM), avoiding peak Calgary afternoon traffic and leaving evenings/weekends free.

Application Insider Tips

The “Clamp” Proof: If you have experience with specific brands of appliances or “white goods,” mention this prominently. Handling a $3,000 refrigerator is viewed differently than handling pallets of dry goods.
Reliability: Because of the 5:30 AM start time, having a personal vehicle is almost a requirement, as Calgary Transit options to SE industrial zones are limited at that hour.
Certifications: Ensure your Forklift Certification is current and covers “Counterbalance.” While they will train on the specific clamp, having the base ticket is the first hurdle.

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