Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse General Worker

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse General Worker is responsible for performing a range of physical and clerical tasks in a distribution or fulfillment environment to ensure timely receipt, storage, replenishment, picking, packing, and shipping of goods. This role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, proficiency with warehouse technology (WMS/RF scanners), and the ability to meet productivity targets while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Part-time Warehouse Associate / Stock Clerk
Retail Stocker or Merchandiser
Manufacturing/Production Floor Worker

Advancement To:

Lead Warehouse Associate / Team Lead
Inventory Control Specialist or Cycle Count Analyst
Shift Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator or Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive incoming shipments, verify quantities and product conditions against packing lists and purchase orders, and record exceptions in the warehouse management system (WMS) to maintain accurate inbound documentation.
Unload trucks and containers safely using pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts (if certified), ensuring proper staging and segregation of incoming goods by SKU, lot, and storage requirements.
Perform accurate order picking using RF scanners or pick lists, following established picking strategies (e.g., batch, zone, wave) to meet daily productivity and on-time shipment targets.
Pack customer and wholesale orders to specification including correct box selection, void-fill, secure sealing, and accurate labeling to reduce returns and damage during transit.
Prepare outbound shipments by staging, palletizing, shrink-wrapping, weighing, labeling, and generating carrier documentation to ensure compliance with carrier and company shipping requirements.
Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory tasks, reconcile variances, and investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies through location checks and transaction history reviews in the WMS.
Inspect products for damage, defects, or contamination upon receipt and prior to shipment; document and segregate non-conforming items and initiate returns or damage reports.
Operate material handling equipment (forklift, reach truck, powered pallet jack) in a safe and efficient manner following OSHA and company safety standards and completing pre-shift equipment checks.
Stage, sort, and consolidate pick waves or pallet loads for efficient loading and dispatch, coordinating with shipping schedulers to meet cut-off times and carrier appointments.
Apply FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out) inventory rotation procedures for perishable or date-coded products to maintain product quality and reduce waste.
Accurately label, barcode, and tag products and locations, ensuring SKU, lot, and serial number traceability for quality control and regulatory compliance.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe warehouse work areas by following 5S and housekeeping procedures, disposing of packing materials, and reporting hazards or maintenance needs promptly.
Execute returns processing (RMA) including inspection, restocking, or dispositioning returns per company procedures and updating the WMS to reflect returned inventory.
Assist with cross-docking operations by rapidly moving incoming goods directly to outbound staging areas to minimize handling and speed delivery for time-sensitive shipments.
Meet productivity KPIs including picks per hour, lines per hour, on-time shipments, and error rate targets while balancing speed and accuracy.
Support quality assurance checks by sampling picked orders, verifying item quantities and condition, and initiating corrective actions to prevent recurring errors.
Complete basic documentation for hazardous materials and follow all HAZMAT, DOT, and company handling instructions when applicable, ensuring safe storage and proper labeling.
Provide on-the-floor training and mentorship to temporary staff and new hires on safe equipment operation, picking/packing standards, and WMS procedures to accelerate onboarding and maintain performance.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, inventory control, maintenance, and shipping partners to escalate issues, clarify orders, and coordinate special handling requirements for large, oversize, or fragile items.
Participate in continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen events, workflow optimization, and layout changes by providing frontline feedback and implementing best practices to increase throughput.
Perform basic preventative maintenance checks and report mechanical issues for forklifts, conveyors, scanners, and other warehouse equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.
Accurately complete and file shipping manifests, bill of lading, quality check forms, and other required paperwork to maintain audit-ready records and support operational traceability.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc inventory research requests, assist with discrepancy investigations, and provide detailed count results to inventory control and purchasing teams.
Contribute to seasonal surge planning by cross-training on multiple roles, adjusting shift priorities, and assisting with temporary workforce onboarding to meet peak demand.
Assist operations management in implementing new WMS features, barcode labeling changes, or process updates through testing, feedback, and training contributions.
Participate in daily safety huddles, report near-misses, and help maintain company safety metrics by promoting safe work practices across the team.
Help coordinate inbound and outbound appointment scheduling by communicating arrival times, staging needs, and loading requirements to dock teams and carriers.
Support sustainability and waste reduction initiatives by identifying recyclable materials, minimizing packaging waste, and suggesting reuse strategies during packing operations.
Provide coverage for related warehouse functions (e.g., returns desk, shipping label station) during absences or peak periods to maintain continuous operations.
Assist quality and compliance teams during audits by preparing documentation, supporting count verification, and executing corrective actions as requested.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of forklifts, reach trucks, and powered pallet jacks with valid certification and experience operating safely in high-traffic environments.
Hands-on experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as SAP EWM, Manhattan, Oracle WMS, or similar platforms for receiving, put-away, picking, and shipping transactions.
Comfortable using RF barcode scanners, mobile data terminals, and handheld devices to execute picks, cycle counts, and inventory updates in real time.
Strong knowledge of shipping and receiving procedures including staging, palletizing, labeling, carrier documentation, and bill of lading generation.
Familiarity with inventory control techniques including cycle counting, reconciliations, FIFO/FEFO rotation, lot tracking, and stock replenishment processes.
Ability to perform basic data entry and use spreadsheet software (Excel) for logging counts, entering adjustments, and generating simple reports.
Experience handling hazardous materials or regulated products following HAZMAT, DOT, or company-specific handling and documentation rules (if applicable).
Competency with pick-and-pack best practices, order consolidation, packing list verification, and damage-prevention packing techniques.
Capability to read SKU labels, packing lists, and shipping instructions accurately and to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) consistently.
Basic equipment troubleshooting skills and ability to perform daily/pre-shift inspections and coordinate preventative maintenance requests.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail to ensure order accuracy and reduce returns and shipping errors.
High level of physical stamina and endurance for sustained lifting, bending, and walking for extended shifts.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and carriers.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance urgent shipments and standard workload while meeting SLAs.
Team-oriented mindset with willingness to cross-train and support colleagues during peak periods.
Problem-solving ability to identify root causes of inventory discrepancies and propose corrective actions.
Dependability and punctuality, consistently meeting shift start times and attendance expectations.
Adaptability to changing priorities, new systems, and seasonal demand spikes.
Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with OSHA regulations and company policies.
Customer-focused attitude to ensure outbound shipments meet quality standards and contribute to positive customer experiences.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificate in logistics, material handling, or supply chain fundamentals.
Associate degree or coursework in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Administration is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Operations
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level to 3 years of warehouse or distribution center experience.

Preferred:

1–2 years of experience in a high-volume warehouse environment, with demonstrated competency in picking/packing, shipping/receiving, WMS usage, and forklift operation.
Certifications or training in forklift operation, OSHA safety, or HAZMAT handling are highly desirable.