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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Picker and Packer

💰 $ - $

LogisticsWarehouseOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Picker and Packer is responsible for accurately selecting items from inventory (picking), preparing and packaging orders (packing), and staging shipments to meet customer and carrier requirements. This role emphasizes speed, accuracy, safety and quality to support order fulfillment, inventory control, and on-time delivery in e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, and distribution environments. Ideal candidates demonstrate proficiency with RF scanners/WMS, packing materials and techniques, safe material handling, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Retail Stock Associate or Backroom Clerk
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • General Warehouse Associate or Temporary Fulfillment Associate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Picker / Lead Packer
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Forklift Operator / Certified Equipment Operator
  • Shipping Supervisor or Warehouse Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator or Fulfillment Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (Warehouse)
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist
  • Cross-Dock or Staging Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick items from warehouse locations using RF scanners, pick lists, or mobile devices, ensuring each order line matches SKU, quantity, lot number and special handling instructions to achieve established accuracy targets.
  • Pack orders using specified materials, cushioning and sealing methods to protect contents for transit while meeting packaging standards, cost targets and sustainability initiatives.
  • Verify product condition and expiration dates during picking and packing; isolate, tag and follow disposition procedures for damaged, defective or expired stock.
  • Stage and consolidate packed orders by route, carrier and priority, preparing pallets, crates or totes and producing accurate shipping labels and documentation.
  • Operate handheld barcode scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS) to confirm picks, update inventory locations and record cycle counts and adjustments in real time.
  • Load and unload trailers or vans as assigned, using proper body mechanics and PPE; assist forklift operators with pallet placement and securing shipments when required.
  • Maintain pick accuracy and productivity metrics (items per hour, lines per hour, orders per shift) and actively work to meet or exceed daily and weekly KPIs set by the operations team.
  • Apply appropriate packing techniques (void fill, bubble wrap, banding, corner protectors) for diverse product types including fragile, heavy, hazardous or temperature-sensitive items.
  • Execute returns processing and rework tasks, including inspection, repackaging, re-labeling and restocking to the correct inventory locations or quarantine areas.
  • Support wave, batch or zone picking workflows and transition smoothly between picking methods to maximize throughput and minimize travel time.
  • Follow shipping carrier requirements (UPS, FedEx, USPS, LTL) for weight, dimensioning, labeling and documentation; prepare bills of lading, manifests and carrier pick-up paperwork as needed.
  • Conduct pre-shift equipment checks and report defects or maintenance needs for trolleys, hand trucks, pallet jacks and RF devices to prevent downtime and safety incidents.
  • Participate in cycle counts, physical inventory and reconciliation activities, accurately recording discrepancies and providing root-cause information to inventory control teams.
  • Adhere to safety rules, lockout/tagout procedures, hazard communication and proper use of PPE; report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately to supervision.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, quality control, shipping, and customer service teams to resolve order exceptions, substitutions, backorders and shipping delays.
  • Maintain clean, organized pick zones and packing stations; remove debris and waste, recycle packing materials and help manage packaging stock levels to prevent interruptions.
  • Document and escalate shipping exceptions, lost or short shipments and damaged goods; support claims processes by providing photos, weigh tickets and documentation.
  • Train and mentor new pickers/packers on standard operating procedures (SOPs), packing standards, equipment use and productivity best practices.
  • Participate in Kaizen, 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, optimize picking routes, lower packaging costs and improve throughput.
  • Follow special handling protocols for hazardous materials, regulated items, or temperature-controlled goods, including correct segregation, labeling and paperwork.
  • Ensure compliance with brand appearance and customer packaging specifications for e-commerce orders, including gift-wrapping, kitting, and promotional insert inclusion.
  • Record time and attendance accurately and support shift changeovers by communicating open tasks and priorities to incoming teams.
  • Perform light administrative tasks such as printing pick tickets, updating order statuses, scanning inbound receipts and closing work orders in the WMS.
  • Assist in seasonal surges, returns spikes and peak fulfillment events by flexing between picking, packing, staging and cycle count activities as business needs require.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cycle counts and periodic inventory audits by pulling and staging items, verifying counts and documenting variances.
  • Assist receiving team with sorting inbound goods, labeling, and moving stock to designated storage locations when workload requires.
  • Help maintain packaging supplies inventory (boxes, tape, labels, void fill) and submit replenishment requests or stock transfer tickets to avoid packing delays.
  • Contribute to cross-functional improvement projects that reduce packing material costs, improve order accuracy or shorten lead times.
  • Provide feedback on WMS ergonomics and suggest workflow tweaks to reduce travel and handling time for pickers and packers.
  • Support ad-hoc staging for promotions, store replenishment or special events that require rapid pick-and-pack execution.
  • Maintain and organize kitting stations, assembly areas and promotional packaging materials when kits or multipacks are required.
  • Participate in safety meetings, training refreshers and certification renewals for equipment operation and hazardous materials handling.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient use of warehouse management systems (WMS) and order fulfillment software (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump).
  • Experience with RF barcode scanners, handheld mobile computers and picking workflows (batch, zone, wave).
  • Strong knowledge of packing materials, packaging techniques and carrier packaging requirements (dimensional weight, tape, labels).
  • Familiarity with shipping platforms and carrier systems (UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, USPS Click-N-Ship, LTL manifesting).
  • Basic palletization and stretch-wrapping skills; safe use of pallet jacks, electric pallet trucks and dollies.
  • Ability to read pick tickets, packing lists, SKU labels, GS1 barcodes and basic shipping documentation.
  • Basic math and measurement skills for weighing, measuring and calculating dimensional weight or package quantities.
  • Experience with cycle counting, inventory reconciliation and understanding stock rotation principles (FIFO, FEFO).
  • Forklift certification or experience (if required by role) — counterbalance, reach, or order picker operation.
  • Familiarity with barcode label printing, thermal printers and quality checks for label legibility and placement.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA) and safe material handling practices; proficiency in PPE usage.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high order accuracy.
  • Excellent time-management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced fulfillment environment.
  • Dependability, punctuality and ability to work shift schedules, weekends or overtime during peak periods.
  • Clear verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with warehouse teams and supervisors.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to handle repetitive lifting, bending and standing for long periods.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate exceptions and propose practical solutions.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal volumes and process updates.
  • Positive attitude toward continuous improvement, training and cross-functional teamwork.
  • Accountability for quality, safety and meeting productivity targets.
  • Customer-focused mindset with ownership of the end-to-end fulfillment experience.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience in warehouse/fulfillment operations.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate in logistics, supply chain, or warehousing (e.g., Certified Logistics Associate – CLA).
  • Training or certification in forklift operation, OSHA 10, or hazardous materials handling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Technology
  • Business or Applied Trades with warehouse emphasis

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Entry-level: 0–1 year (on-the-job training)
  • Experienced: 1–3+ years in warehouse picking, packing, shipping or receiving roles

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years working in a high-volume distribution center or e-commerce fulfillment environment.
  • Demonstrated experience with RF picking, WMS navigation, packing to carrier specs and meeting productivity/accuracy KPIs.
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