Warehouse Worker Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a warehouse worker. Feel free to use our warehouse worker job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a warehouse worker.
Who is a Warehouse Worker?
Warehouse workers are responsible for receiving and processing incoming goods and materials. They may be responsible for packing and shipping orders as well as managing, organizing, and retrieving stock. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment, which includes keeping shelves, workstations, and the pallet area clean and tidy and adhering to all applicable rules and regulations regarding cleanliness and safety.
Warehouses are primarily used by businesses and occasionally by individuals to store and maintain a variety of items, including food, products, technological items, clothing, and furniture.
Warehouse workers utilize specialized tools to sort, inventory, and store the goods they receive, ranging from accounting software to heavy-lifting machines for secure storage. Typically, they are hired by storage facilities, ports, and distribution centers. While some businesses are large enough to have their warehouse and employees, the majority of businesses and organizations utilize independent storage warehouses for these purposes.
Typically, a warehouse worker is responsible for the movement of goods within a storage facility. Additionally, he might conduct inventories of available goods. In some instances, he could be relied upon to replenish shelves and place orders for merchandise. Numerous responsibilities may require him to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods.
When products enter a facility via the receiving dock, the warehouse employee is typically one of the first to handle them. He may be responsible for storing goods in the proper location or delivering them to various departments. Additionally, this employee could keep track of the items received and note whether or not they were damaged.
A warehouse worker may employ a variety of different methods to move goods within a storage facility. This could include operating a forklift, for instance. In other instances, pallet jacks may be used to transport products. Small items can be carried by hand or transported using a dolly or wheeled cart.
This employee could conduct periodic inventories as the need arises. This could be to inform the purchasing department of the quantity of an item to order. It could also be to comply with corporate income tax reporting requirements.
A warehouse worker’s daily activities frequently require him to lift heavy items while working. He may occasionally be required to place freight above his head, such as on shelves. At other times, he may be required to transport awkward or bulky items between locations. He may occasionally collaborate with a partner to complete this task.
Warehouse Worker Job Description
Below are the warehouse worker job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a warehouse worker job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a warehouse worker include the following:
- Taking delivery of and tracking shipments
- Utilizing appropriate tools to load merchandise into delivery trucks.
- Accommodating and handling delicate merchandise with care
- Keeping track of and documenting the precise arrival and departure times of your shipments.
- Sorting and labeling merchandise by size, shape, and type.
- Wrapping, boxing, and packing the merchandise according to the applicable procedures and standards.
- Preparing and shipping all orders
- Maintaining a record of all impaired or damaged merchandise items.
- Managing merchandise
Other important tasks include:
- Enter data into inventory management and logistics software applications.
Receiving products and ensuring that all items on the list are present and accounted for; inspecting all items to ensure that they are in good condition and that no damage occurred during transport; reporting all damaged items to supervisors and clients; updating warehouse records to include incoming items; storing items using specialized machinery (e.g. forklifts, labelers, and special tags); and maintaining a record of the precise location of each item to later secure fast a replacement.
- Communicating with clients and suppliers about the status of items:
Notifying clients when their items have been received and stored; informing clients about the storage facility’s policies and storage costs; and assisting clients with retrieving items from the facility.
- Retrieving items that clients require removal:
Verifying the client’s identity and the availability of the items they require; completing the necessary paperwork to retrieve items, including specific locations and quantities; retrieving items following instructions and preparing them for shipment; and completing the necessary paperwork to notify clients that their items have been shipped or having clients sign a form acknowledging receipt of the item.
- Keeping storage facilities clean and in good working order:
Inspecting specialized machinery to ensure its continued functionality; reporting malfunctioning machinery, and monitoring the status of items requiring special storage conditions (e.g. refrigerated or fragile items).
Qualifications
Education
Generally, this position requires only a high school diploma or GED. If, on the other hand, you wish to advance from this position into warehouse management or a logistics role, you may wish to consider pursuing an associate’s degree in logistics. This degree teaches fundamental procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and transportation skills.
Training
Training for this position is primarily on-the-job, directly under the supervision of another warehouse worker, shipping or receiving clerk, or supervisor. Additionally, various certifications can provide additional training applicable to this position.
Certifications
Certifications are not typically required for this position, though certain specialized certifications may be required depending on the scope of responsibilities for a particular position. Even if you are not required to possess one, you may wish to pursue certifications nonetheless. They demonstrate to employers that you are motivated and eager to advance in your current position, giving you a competitive edge over other job applicants. Additionally, they can be beneficial if you aspire to more senior warehouse positions, such as warehouse manager or logistics manager. The most frequently acquired certifications include the following:
- Forklift Certification
An OSHA-compliant forklift certification, which is available from a variety of organizations, qualifies you to operate a forklift in a warehouse environment. This may be required for certain roles, and you will be ineligible for the position if you do not have the certification.
- Certified Distribution and Warehousing Professional
This program teaches individuals how to manage distribution, logistics, and warehousing. Students will be prepared for professional positions in warehouses and distribution centers after completing the training.
- Manufacturing and Inventory Control Certification
The American Production and Inventory Control Society’s (APICS) certification program is a popular choice for warehouse professionals because it focuses primarily on managing inventory in production once it arrives at the warehouse.
- Supply Chain Management Certified Professional
Additionally, APICS offers this certification, which focuses on supply chain design, planning, and execution, as well as supply chain improvement and best practices. It’s an excellent option for warehouse employees interested in a career in supply chain logistics.
Essential Skills
- Organization
As a warehouse worker, it is critical to be organized and detail-oriented. Organizations can aid in the efficient operation of a warehouse by ensuring accurate inventory, a safe operation, and a positive work environment. To keep your organizational skills sharp, you can work to keep your work area organized and clean throughout your shift and assist other colleagues in doing the same.
- Literacy and Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy are especially critical when working in a warehouse. Your ability to read and comprehend information and numbers is critical for reading packing slips, order quantities, and instructions. Oftentimes, you can improve your literacy skills in reading picking sheets and warehouse documentation by soliciting advice from colleagues and leaders and acquiring tips and techniques to enhance your performance.
- Computer Skills
While not all warehouse worker positions require computer proficiency, having these skills can help you stand out from the competition. As more aspects of a warehouse integrate technology and automate processes, having computer skills can assist you in staying current with the daily operations of a warehouse. Computer proficiency frequently entails the acquisition of fundamental skills such as word processing, file storage, and email or messenger use.
- Manual dexterity
When working in a warehouse, it is critical to have good hand-eye coordination. For instance, you may be required to read packaging orders and labels, operate machine controls, or perform manual inventory counts. Dexterity and good eyesight can help minimize errors and increase overall productivity in these instances.
- Swiftness and precision
As a warehouse employee, you may be required to meet daily quotas or adhere to strict deadlines. In most warehouses, your ability to work at a consistent pace with accuracy is critical. Additionally, you may wish to consider safety and quality. A high level of performance can aid in the achievement of personal and organizational goals.
- Motivation
Because the majority of warehouse work is performed unsupervised, self-motivation can be critical. Maintaining accountability for targets, completing tasks on time, and performing quality work with pride can help you earn a higher salary, earn positive employee reviews, and earn high customer satisfaction scores.
- Problem-solving skills
While working in a warehouse, you may encounter difficulties such as a conveyor malfunction on the packaging line or an item that is out of stock. Because much of your work as a warehouse worker is unsupervised, effective problem-solving skills can benefit you. For instance, knowing how to turn off the conveyor belt or place an out-of-stock notice in the box with the remainder of the order can be beneficial. The ability to resolve technical issues can also increase your value as an employee, especially if you are the only one with these capabilities at your company.
- Collaboration
Your ability to work in a team environment is critical for warehouse jobs, regardless of how small or large the task is. Teamwork can take the form of colleagues meeting a quota on the same shift or collaborating to develop process improvements that save money and increase packing rates, for example. Collaboration is a valuable skill to develop and hone for any warehouse position.
- Communication
Effective oral and written communication skills are also critical when working in a warehouse, as everyone must be aware of what their coworkers are doing to ensure safety.
- Flexibility
Being adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced warehouse environment can help you discover new opportunities and assist others with tasks that need to be completed. For instance, an unplanned absence may require you to deviate from your scheduled assignment to assist another team or perform duties that are not part of your normal responsibilities. By accepting such challenges and maintaining a positive attitude, you can demonstrate to employers that you are a flexible, dependable, and adaptable employee.
- Endurance and stamina
When working in a warehouse, stamina and endurance are critical. You may work long shifts, frequently standing for several hours at a time. For instance, some warehouse jobs may require stamina, such as operating a packing conveyor belt or loading boxes into delivery trucks for the duration of your shift. You may bend, stoop, reach, lift, and stretch during a single shift, so having a good range of motion can help reduce physical strain on your body. A healthy general fitness level and mobility can help you stay safe and perform your job efficiently.
- Adaptability
Almost all jobs can be improved, and many see the development of new technologies and methods. Your capacity to learn continuously, adapt, and acquire new skills can help you maintain a competitive edge in your field and earn you the respect and appreciation of leaders. To demonstrate your eagerness to learn, consider inquiring about professional development opportunities at your place of employment or volunteering for upcoming projects or training events.
How to Become a Warehouse Worker
- Continue your education.
Most employers require only a high school diploma or GED to qualify for a warehouse worker position. Conduct a job search in your geographic area and ascertain the typical level of education required for warehouse worker positions. Acquire the necessary education to qualify for a position.
- Pursue certification.
To operate a forklift in a warehouse, OSHA-compliant forklift certification is required. It’s a good idea to obtain this certification before applying for warehouse worker positions to give yourself a competitive edge. If you are certain that you want to use a warehouse worker position to gain warehouse experience in preparation for more advanced positions, you may wish to pursue additional certifications.
- Maintain an updated resume.
Update your resume to include your highest level of education, work experience, certifications, and transferrable skills for the warehouse worker position. After reviewing the required skills for this position, use that list to demonstrate how you have applied those skills in previous jobs.
- Submit job applications.
Conduct a job search in your geographic area and narrow your focus on the roles for which you are most qualified. Often, warehouse workers are entry-level positions that require no prior experience. If your search indicates that experience working in a warehouse environment is required, apply for entry-level warehouse positions and then advance to the position of warehouse worker after the required period has passed. Utilize an updated resume and a cover letter that is tailored to the position for which you are applying.
Where to Work as a Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers receive, unpack, organize, and store goods, as well as gather, pack, prepare, and load goods for dispatch.
Warehouse Worker Salary Scale
The national average salary for a Warehouse Worker in the United States is $33,841 per year.
