General Labor Warehouse

🎯 Role Definition

As a General Labor Warehouse Associate, you are the backbone of our daily operations. You will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including receiving and processing incoming stock, picking and filling orders from inventory, packing and shipping orders, and organizing the warehouse. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player with a strong work ethic and an exceptional eye for detail. You'll be working in a physically active role, contributing directly to our company's success by ensuring that our products are handled with care and our customers receive their orders accurately and on time. This position requires adaptability, a commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cohesive team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

No prior experience / Entry-level candidates
Retail Associate or Stocker
Fast Food or Restaurant Crew Member

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Supervisor
Certified Forklift Operator
Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Order Picker / Selector
Packer / Packager
Material Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively participate in the loading and unloading of freight trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper handling techniques to prevent damage to goods.
Accurately pick customer orders from designated warehouse locations using RF scanners, pick lists, and other technologies to ensure fulfillment accuracy.
Meticulously pack and prepare orders for shipment, selecting appropriate packing materials to ensure product safety and integrity during transit.
Operate manual and electric pallet jacks, dollies, and other material handling equipment to move inventory and products throughout the warehouse safely.
Receive, inspect, and process incoming stock and materials, verifying items against purchase orders and noting any discrepancies or damages.
Sort materials and products and place them on racks, shelving, or in bins according to predetermined inventory location and organizational standards.
Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) scanning equipment to track inventory movements, manage stock levels, and ensure real-time data accuracy within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Perform quality control checks on outbound orders to verify that the items, quantities, and labeling are correct before shipping.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by sweeping, dusting, and removing debris from aisles and workstations.
Assemble boxes, crates, and other packaging containers in preparation for order fulfillment and shipping activities.
Efficiently stack and palletize goods for bulk storage or shipment, using shrink wrap and other securing methods as required.
Read and interpret work orders, shipping orders, and requisitions to determine which items need to be moved, gathered, or distributed.
Label products, pallets, and shelves with correct identifying information, including SKUs, batch numbers, and destination codes.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA guidelines to promote a hazard-free workplace.
Assist in conducting regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits to maintain inventory accuracy and control.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with team members and supervisors to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to order fulfillment, inventory, or shipping.
Participate in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency and productivity.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new warehouse associates by demonstrating proper procedures and techniques.
Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or operational inconsistencies to the warehouse supervisor in a timely manner.
Support various departments with ad-hoc material handling and logistics requests as needed to ensure smooth overall operations.
Maintain and properly care for all company-issued equipment, including RF scanners and material handling tools.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment: Proficiency in operating manual pallet jacks and hand trucks; experience with electric pallet jacks is a plus.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to consistently lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld RF scanning devices for picking, packing, and inventory management.
Basic Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic arithmetic for counting, sorting, and verifying inventory and order quantities.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic understanding or ability to quickly learn WMS software for tracking inventory and orders.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of basic warehouse safety procedures and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking orders, counting inventory, and identifying discrepancies to ensure high accuracy.
Reliability and Punctuality: A strong record of being dependable, on-time, and ready to work as scheduled.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with supervisors and peers to achieve common goals.
Strong Work Ethic: Motivated, proactive, and willing to put in the effort required to get the job done efficiently and correctly.
Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment and adjusting to changing priorities and workflows.
Effective Communication: Ability to clearly communicate with team members and supervisors regarding work tasks, issues, and progress.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, manufacturing, or similar fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

At least 6 months of prior experience as a Warehouse Associate, Order Picker, Packer, or Material Handler is highly desirable.