Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a General Warehouse Clerk

🎯 Role Definition

The General Warehouse Clerk is a cornerstone of our logistics and supply chain operations. This role is responsible for the precise and efficient handling of goods within the warehouse, from the moment they arrive until they are shipped out. A person in this position ensures inventory is correctly received, stored, picked, packed, and dispatched, playing a vital part in order fulfillment and customer satisfaction. This hands-on role requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. You are the engine that keeps our supply chain moving.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Production Worker
Retail Stock Associate or Merchandiser
Recent High School Graduate or Entry-Level Candidate

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Shift Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist or Analyst
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Receiving Clerk or Shipping Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Methodically receive and unload incoming trucks and containers, either manually or using equipment like pallet jacks and forklifts, ensuring products are handled carefully to prevent damage.
Scrupulously verify incoming shipments by comparing purchase orders and packing slips with the actual items received, noting any discrepancies, damages, or shortages and reporting them immediately.
Accurately sort, label, and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined inventory locations and organizational standards.
Efficiently and precisely pick customer orders from designated warehouse locations using RF scanners, pick lists, or other guided technology to ensure order fulfillment meets speed and accuracy standards.
Prepare and pack orders for shipment, selecting appropriate packing materials to prevent damage and ensure items are secure for transit.
Operate a variety of warehouse equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks, in a safe and efficient manner to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise.
Generate and affix shipping labels, packing slips, and other necessary documentation to outbound packages, ensuring compliance with carrier requirements and company policies.
Conduct regular physical inventory counts and cycle counts to maintain inventory accuracy and assist in reconciling variances within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment by sweeping, dusting, and mopping, as well as keeping workstations and aisles clear of hazards.
Adhere to all company safety protocols, procedures, and quality standards, proactively identifying and reporting potential safety hazards to management.
Stage finished product for loading, ensuring that items are organized by route and stop for efficient loading onto delivery vehicles.
Process and document returned goods (reverse logistics), inspecting their condition and routing them for restocking, repair, or disposal according to established procedures.
Utilize the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to perform tasks such as looking up product locations, confirming order statuses, and executing inventory transactions.
Assist in loading outbound trucks, ensuring that packages are loaded correctly, safely, and in a way that maximizes space and prevents shifting during transit.
Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate activities and resolve any operational issues or delays.
Monitor inventory levels of shipping and warehouse supplies, such as boxes, tape, and labels, and notify supervisors when reordering is necessary.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests by performing basic data entry related to inventory adjustments, shipment tracking, or labor reporting.
Perform light maintenance on warehouse equipment, such as charging batteries for forklifts and RF scanners, to ensure operational readiness.
Collaborate with the inventory control team to investigate and resolve discrepancies found during cycle counts or order picking.
Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for process improvements related to efficiency, quality, and safety within the warehouse.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS software to track inventory, process orders, and manage warehouse functions.
RF Scanner Operation: Experience using handheld radio frequency (RF) scanners for picking, packing, and inventory management tasks.
Forklift and Pallet Jack Operation: Certified or able to become certified to operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
Basic Computer Skills: Competency in using computers for data entry, email communication, and accessing shipping software.
Inventory Counting: Skill in performing accurate cycle counts and physical inventory checks.
Shipping/Receiving Software: Familiarity with carrier software (e.g., UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager) and bills of lading.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking details to ensure accuracy in orders, inventory, and paperwork.
Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative spirit and the ability to work well with colleagues to achieve common goals.
Physical Stamina: The ability to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods and lift heavy objects (typically up to 50 lbs).
Adaptability: Flexibility to switch between different tasks and adapt to changing operational needs and priorities.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues, such as order discrepancies or equipment malfunctions, and find practical solutions.
Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and committed to performing duties to a high standard.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or associate's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

1+ year of direct experience as a warehouse clerk or associate, with a demonstrated understanding of standard warehouse procedures and safety. Experience operating a forklift or other powered industrial trucks is highly desirable.