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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Laborer

💰 $ - $

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a reliable, safety-focused Warehouse Laborer (also advertised as Warehouse Associate / Material Handler) to join fast-paced distribution and fulfillment operations. The Warehouse Laborer is responsible for receiving, storing, picking, packing, staging and shipping product accurately and on time while operating warehouse equipment (forklift, pallet jack, hand truck), using RF scanners and WMS software, and following established safety and quality procedures. This role requires strong physical stamina, attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to meet daily productivity and accuracy targets in a high-volume environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer / Production Worker
  • Retail Stock Associate / Backroom Clerk
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Associate / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist / Cycle Count Coordinator
  • Shipping/Receiving Supervisor
  • Warehouse Supervisor or Assistant Manager
  • Logistics Coordinator or Distribution Center Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator
  • Order Picker / Packager
  • Quality Inspector / Returns Processor
  • Kitting Specialist / Staging Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive inbound freight, verify shipment contents against purchase orders and bills of lading, inspect for damage, and document discrepancies using handheld scanners or WMS entries.
  • Unload and load trailers and containers safely and efficiently using forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, or conveyor systems while adhering to carrier and company procedures.
  • Accurately pick customer orders by paper ticket, RF scanner, or pick-to-light systems, ensuring SKU, quantity and lot number accuracy, and prepare orders for packing and shipment.
  • Pack and label orders according to packing standards and carrier requirements, apply correct shipping labels and paperwork, and ensure proper palletizing and load securement for transit.
  • Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and powered pallet jacks in compliance with OSHA and company safety standards; maintain current certifications and safety training records.
  • Cycle count assigned inventory locations and participate in periodic physical inventories; reconcile variances, tag damaged product, and escalate inventory discrepancies to inventory control.
  • Stage and organize goods for production, outbound shipments, cross-docks, and store deliveries; manage staging areas to maximize throughput and minimize delays.
  • Process returns and damaged goods: document condition, quarantine when required, update WMS/ERP systems, and prepare materials for disposition or restocking.
  • Maintain accurate and timely data entry into Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan), and shipping systems to ensure real-time inventory visibility.
  • Follow FIFO/LIFO/FEFO inventory rotation procedures, verify expiration or lot codes for perishable or serialized goods, and maintain traceability for regulated products.
  • Inspect incoming materials and completed orders for quality and completeness; remove non-conforming product and notify supervisors of systemic issues.
  • Prepare and coordinate carrier pickups and drop-offs, load manifests, and shipping documentation (BOLs, packing lists, customs paperwork) in collaboration with transportation and logistics teams.
  • Meet productivity, accuracy, and attendance KPIs daily; proactively identify and address process bottlenecks to achieve service level targets.
  • Support cross-functional initiatives such as cycle count improvements, 5S/lean housekeeping, and process standardization to increase safety and efficiency.
  • Perform basic maintenance and pre-shift inspections on warehouse equipment, report faults, tag out defective equipment, and coordinate repair or replacement.
  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas: sweep aisles, remove debris, break down pallets, and dispose of packaging in designated recycling/ waste streams.
  • Assist in training new hires and temporary staff on safe material handling, equipment operation, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent performance.
  • Apply hazardous materials handling procedures when required (HAZMAT/chemical SOPs), including PPE use, spill control, and proper labeling/segregation.
  • Use handheld RF scanners, tablets, and mobile devices to complete picks, putaways, transfers, and cycle counts while meeting scanning accuracy standards.
  • Execute kitting and assembly tasks to create multi-SKU kits or production kits, verifying component quantities and preparing kits for production or shipment.
  • Participate in problem solving for damaged product, missing inventory, short shipments, and order exceptions; investigate root causes and recommend corrective actions.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, logistics planners, and inventory teams to prioritize workload during peak periods and urgent shipments.
  • Adhere to all company and regulatory safety policies including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout basics, and emergency response procedures.
  • Support special projects such as seasonal surge operations, inventory reconciliations, equipment upgrades, and layout reconfigurations as needed.

Secondary Functions

  • Serve as a point of contact for internal departments (procurement, customer service, production) for day-to-day fulfillment questions and stock availability.
  • Provide input on process improvements and participate in Kaizen events to reduce handling steps, decrease damage, and improve throughput.
  • Update and maintain accurate location maps, labeling, bin numbers, and signage to improve warehouse navigation and picking accuracy.
  • Assist with light clerical work including filing shipping documents, scanning invoices, and entering return authorizations into the WMS.
  • Support safe handling and storage of specialty inventory (temperature-controlled, hazardous, oversized) following company SOPs.
  • Cross-train in multiple warehouse functions (receiving, picking, packing, shipping, returns) to provide flexible support during staffing fluctuations.
  • Maintain records of equipment usage, safety checks, and incident reports and assist supervisors with follow-up actions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Forklift operation (sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, cherry picker) with current certification and demonstrated safe operation.
  • Proficiency with RF handheld scanners, barcode scanning, pick-to-light systems, and mobile data terminals.
  • Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, or Blue Yonder; ability to perform picks, putaways, transfers, and cycle counts.
  • Strong knowledge of shipping processes: packing standards, carrier rules (UPS, FedEx, LTL), BOLs, manifests, and generating shipping labels.
  • Inventory control and cycle counting techniques, including reconciliation of variances and root-cause analysis.
  • Material handling equipment operation: powered pallet jack, hand truck, dollies, conveyor systems.
  • Basic computer literacy: data entry, email, and familiarity with MS Excel for simple inventory reports and logs.
  • Understanding of warehouse safety regulations (OSHA), PPE usage, safe lifting techniques, and lockout/tagout basics.
  • Experience with order picking strategies (zone picking, batch picking, wave picking) and packing optimization to minimize shipping costs and damage.
  • Knowledge of packaging materials, palletizing patterns, stretch wrap techniques, and load securement.
  • Ability to read and follow SKU numbers, packing slips, work orders, and production instructions accurately.
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials handling protocols when applicable (DOT/HAZMAT basics, SDS awareness).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in order fulfillment and inventory records.
  • Physical stamina and reliability: ability to lift, carry and move up to typical warehouse limits (e.g., 50 lbs) repeatedly and stand/walk for full shifts.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordination with teammates, supervisors, and carriers.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate issues and propose practical improvements to processes.
  • Team player attitude with flexibility to rotate through shifts, overtime, and weekend work during peak periods.
  • Dependability, punctuality, and strong work ethic to meet production schedules and service level commitments.
  • Adaptability to learn new systems, equipment, and standard operating procedures rapidly.
  • Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across operations and support functions.
  • Safety-first mindset and willingness to follow and enforce established protocols for personal and team protection.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School diploma or GED preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate or technical training in material handling, logistics, or a related field.
  • Forklift or equipment operator certification preferred if not provided by employer.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Industrial Technology
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Entry-level to 3+ years experience in warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or retail stockroom environments.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years operating forklifts and material handling equipment with verifiable safety record.
  • Prior experience using a WMS system and handheld RF devices.
  • Demonstrated experience meeting productivity and accuracy metrics in a high-volume fulfillment center.
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