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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Picker

💰 $28,000 - $42,000

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsFulfillmentSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Picker is responsible for accurately selecting, staging, and preparing customer and production orders within a warehouse or distribution center. This role focuses on safe and efficient order fulfillment using warehouse management systems (WMS), RF scanners, and standard material handling equipment. A successful Warehouse Picker meets daily productivity and accuracy targets, maintains a clean and safe workspace, and communicates issues that affect inventory accuracy, order timing, or product quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Seasonal or temporary warehouse associate positions
  • Retail stock associate or merchandising roles
  • General labor or manufacturing line roles

Advancement To:

  • Senior Picker / Lead Picker
  • Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Warehouse Team Lead / Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator (certified)
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Returns/Reverse Logistics Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick customer and internal orders from inventory using paper pick lists or RF scanners, ensuring SKU, quantity, lot and serial numbers match the order requirements before staging for packing or shipping.
  • Pack and label picked items according to company packaging standards and carrier requirements, applying appropriate cushioning, labeling, and barcode placement to minimize damage during transit.
  • Scan and record each pick and pack transaction into the Warehouse Management System (WMS), following barcode/lot control procedures to maintain real-time inventory accuracy.
  • Conduct visual and quantitative inspections of products while picking to identify damaged, expired, or nonconforming items and immediately report discrepancies to the supervisor for disposition.
  • Stage and prepare orders for shipment, organizing pallets and cartons for optimal loading sequence and working with the shipping team to meet cut-off times and carrier schedules.
  • Load and unload trucks and shipping containers safely and efficiently, following loading plans and securing shipments as required; assist dock operations during peak volumes.
  • Perform cycle counts and periodic inventory audits as assigned, reconciling physical counts with system records and documenting variances with supporting evidence.
  • Maintain productivity and accuracy metrics as defined by operations (e.g., picks per hour, units per hour, order accuracy rate) and proactively apply feedback and coaching to improve performance.
  • Operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, hand trucks, and, when trained and certified, powered industrial trucks (forklifts), following all safety and certification requirements.
  • Follow FIFO/LIFO/FEFO inventory procedures and shelf rotation guidelines to minimize expiry and obsolescence, particularly for perishable or lot-controlled products.
  • Assemble customer orders by grouping items by order, packaging, and preparing manifests or carrier paperwork; ensure special handling requirements are followed (fragile, hazardous, temperature-controlled).
  • Record and report damaged goods, shortages, overages, and other inventory problems via the WMS and internal incident reporting processes; assist in root-cause identification when requested.
  • Participate in daily briefings and shift handovers, communicating open issues, delayed orders, and equipment constraints to ensure continuity of operations and timely problem resolution.
  • Adhere to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures; maintain tidy aisles, pick zones, and staging areas to reduce trip hazards and improve workflow.
  • Support cross-dock and high-velocity pick processes by sorting incoming product, moving inventory to preferred picking locations, and replenishing forward pick bins as needed.
  • Prepare and process returns (RMA) by inspecting returned items, restocking or segregating to quarantine areas, and documenting disposition according to RMA procedures.
  • Use basic math and measurement skills to verify quantities, weight, and dimensions for shipments and help optimize cartonization to reduce shipping costs.
  • Assist with seasonal surges, special projects, and quick-turn order requests by prioritizing work, collaborating with teammates, and temporarily reassigning between picking, packing, and shipping tasks.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process improvements, participating in Kaizen events, and helping implement changes that increase accuracy and throughput.
  • Maintain competency with WMS updates, RF scanner firmware, and any new picking technologies or apps; participate in periodic training and retraining sessions.
  • Ensure product traceability by accurately recording lot numbers, expiration dates, and serial numbers during picks for regulated products or warranty-sensitive items.

Secondary Functions

  • Help onboard and train new pickers in picking procedure, safety practices, and WMS basics under guidance from a supervisor or lead.
  • Assist inventory control and cycle count teams during scheduled audits and month-end reconciliations.
  • Support shipping/receiving during high-volume periods by cross-training on trailer checks, pallet build, and carrier documentation.
  • Perform light maintenance and cleaning of picking equipment, RF scanners, and assigned work areas; report broken equipment immediately.
  • Participate in returns processing, quarantine management, and disposition labeling for damaged or suspect product.
  • Monitor and report environmental conditions for temperature-sensitive items and escalate temperature excursions immediately.
  • Contribute to daily safety checklists, incident reporting, and corrective action follow-ups.
  • Help implement and maintain visual management tools such as pick-to-light, bin signage, and floor markings to reduce errors.
  • Assist with ad-hoc projects such as SKU rationalization moves, seasonal storage reconfiguration, or facility audits.
  • Provide courteous, professional communication with internal stakeholders (packing, shipping, inventory) to escalate and resolve order issues quickly.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation of RF scanners and handheld barcode devices for picking, cycle counting, and receiving.
  • Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump, NetSuite, or equivalent.
  • Order picking and packing best practices, including cartonization, void fill selection, and carrier labeling (UPS, FedEx, DHL).
  • Basic inventory control techniques: cycle counts, discrepancy reporting, lot/serial tracking, and FIFO/FEFO rotation.
  • Safe operation of material handling equipment: pallet jacks, hand trucks, and powered industrial trucks (forklift) — forklift operation when certified.
  • Familiarity with shipping documentation and systems (BOL, manifests, shipping labels, carrier portals).
  • Basic math and measurement skills for quantity verification, weight/dimension checks, and pallet configuration.
  • Knowledge of packaging materials, shrink-wrap, strapping tools, and load securement for transport.
  • Experience processing returns (RMA), quarantine procedures, and disposition workflows.
  • Understanding of workplace safety standards (OSHA or local equivalent), PPE usage, and facility safety protocols.
  • Ability to follow SOPs and quality checklists with high attention to detail to maintain order accuracy and product condition.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated track record of high order accuracy.
  • Reliable time management and punctuality to meet shifts and cut-off times consistently.
  • Team-oriented mindset with effective verbal communication for handoffs and issue escalation.
  • Physical stamina and endurance to stand, bend, lift, and move items throughout a shift.
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities during peak volumes and seasonal fluctuations.
  • Problem-solving skills to identify root causes of inventory discrepancies and propose practical fixes.
  • Accountability and integrity when recording inventory and reporting damages or shortages.
  • Positive attitude and coachability; willing to learn and accept feedback.
  • Initiative to suggest process improvements that reduce errors and improve throughput.
  • Stress management and ability to maintain focus in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience in warehouse operations).

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certificate in logistics, supply chain, or material handling.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, forklift certification, or similar safety credentials.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial/Manufacturing Technology
  • Business Administration (operations focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Entry-level: 0–1 year of warehouse or fulfillment experience.
  • Mid-level: 1–3 years performing order picking, packing, or shipping duties.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years experience with RF scanning and WMS-driven picking.
  • Experience in fast-paced distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, or cold-chain environments is a plus.
  • Prior training or certification for powered industrial trucks (forklift) and experience operating them safely.
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