Package Handler (Warehouse-like)

Role overview

This position involves hands-on handling of parcels in a warehouse-style setting. The job centers on loading, unloading, sorting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and placing packages safely and efficiently. Team members may work in different functional areas such as loading, unloading, palletizing, scanning and weighing, quality assurance, facing, switching, and related operational roles.

Special assignments

Some Package Handlers may receive additional training and responsibilities depending on the assignment. A Package Handler Trainer supports others with safe and effective loading, unloading, palletizing, and scanning methods. A Package Handler - Air role includes checking packages through a multi-step inspection process to ensure air-restricted items are not placed into air containers.

Key duties

• Use hand-to-surface handling methods for all parcels.
• Load and unload packages from vehicles, trailers, pallets, conveyor carts, and load gratings.
• Move parcels repeatedly by lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling during shifts that may last about 3 to 5 hours, with the possibility of working more than one shift in a day.
• Identify the correct conveyor route by scanning items, reading labels and charts, checking numbers, and remembering sorting information.
• Take on other operational tasks as needed.

Trainer responsibilities

• Teach new package handlers how to unload, load, palletize, carry, handle small parcels, use SWAK, and manage non-conveyable items.
• Provide refresher guidance to team members who need extra support with handling techniques.
• Share feedback on proper package-handling practices when needed.
• Promote dock safety standards among peers.
• Lead by example and follow required procedures consistently.
• Keep supervisors informed about sort conditions so operational decisions can be made efficiently.
• Help introduce new handling processes and methods.
• Continue doing physical handling work while also training others.

Air assignment responsibilities

• Scan each parcel in the air consolidation area and check for hazardous materials or ORM-D markings.
• Load parcels into unit load devices when appropriate.
• Complete the notification for restricted packages returned to shipper in SCMS for air-restricted items.
• Continue regular physical loading and unloading duties along with lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Minimum qualifications

No formal education is required, and prior experience is not necessary for the base role.

Preferred experience for specialist roles

For the trainer and air-focused assignments, six months of Package Handler experience with Federal Express Corporation is preferred.

Skills and abilities

Applicants should be able to follow instructions closely, work safely, identify numbers and package information accurately, and use basic warehouse tools and equipment such as skate wheel rollers, dock carts, handheld scanners, chutes, and unloading devices. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment are also important. If operating switching equipment, a valid driver’s license and a Department of Transportation file are required. The trainer role requires the ability to coach multiple peers at once. The air role requires completion and maintenance of the company’s airlift consolidation gateway training and any government-regulated indirect air carrier training, along with annual recertification.

Working conditions

This job may involve exposure to hot and cold temperatures and loud noise. The role requires the ability to lift and carry between 5 and 50 pounds. Travel is not expected.

Schedule and pay

Pay is listed at $20. The shift is 4:00 am to 10:00 am, with 2 to 4 hours of work per day. The schedule requires availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, and the role is expected to follow a 5-day work pattern.

Additional employment notes

This job description is general in nature and does not cover every duty or qualification that may apply. Employees may be expected to complete other assigned work, pass required testing and training, use a PC Windows environment, and maintain annual certifications where applicable. Work schedules may vary based on business needs. Candidates based in Quebec must be bilingual in French and English. For roles where driving is a core responsibility, a valid driver’s license and a driving record with no more than two violations and/or accidents in the 24 months before application are required, along with review of the candidate’s driver abstract, interview performance, and any driving assessments.

Employment equity

The employer emphasizes inclusive hiring and welcomes applicants from all qualified backgrounds. Women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of culturally diverse and 2SLGBTQ+ communities are encouraged to apply. Accommodation support is available during recruitment and selection for candidates who need it.