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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hand Picker

💰 $ - $

LogisticsWarehouseFulfillment

🎯 Role Definition

A Hand Picker (Order Picker) is a frontline warehouse professional responsible for accurate, efficient selection and staging of customer orders using pick lists, RF scanners, and standard warehouse equipment. This role supports on-time fulfillment by maintaining pick accuracy, following FIFO/FEFO procedures, and collaborating with shipping, receiving and inventory control teams. Ideal candidates are safety-minded, physically fit, detail-oriented, and comfortable working under productivity targets in ambient or temperature-controlled environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
  • Picker / Packer (seasonal or part-time)
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Lead Picker / Lead Warehouse Associate
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Team Lead / Shift Supervisor
  • Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator
  • Warehouse Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector
  • Material Handler
  • Order Processor / Fulfillment Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick customer orders from inventory locations using pick lists or handheld RF scanners, ensuring each SKU, quantity and lot number matches the order requirements before staging for packing or shipping.
  • Maintain a consistent pick rate to meet daily and shift productivity targets while sustaining high accuracy (e.g., industry-standard pick accuracy goals), proactively communicating any issues that may impact throughput.
  • Execute a variety of picking methodologies—batch, wave, zone and single-order picking—adapting to assigned workflows and priorities to optimize order consolidation and reduce travel time.
  • Scan each item during pick and confirm successful scans in the Warehouse Management System (WMS); immediately log and escalate scanning or system errors to warehouse leads.
  • Follow FIFO/FEFO, batch rotation, and product specific handling protocols to ensure product freshness, minimize spoilage and maintain compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare and stage picked orders for packing and shipping, including verifying item condition, performing quality checks, and applying correct labels, shipping marks and documentation.
  • Operate warehouse equipment safely and efficiently as required for the role, including pallet jacks, hand trucks, dollies and order pickers, while observing equipment checklists and performing basic daily inspections.
  • Inspect products for defects, damage or discrepancies at the time of pick; isolate nonconforming items and complete exception reports, damage logs and return-to-stock processes according to SOPs.
  • Participate in cycle counts, physical inventories and reconciliation activities; assist inventory control by investigating discrepancies and updating location counts in the WMS.
  • Replenish pick faces and forward-pick locations from bulk storage to maintain availability for uninterrupted order fulfillment; follow replenishment triggers and bin labeling procedures.
  • Pack light or secondary packaging for fragile or high-value items when required, applying proper cushioning, containment and sealing techniques to protect goods during transport.
  • Load and unload trailers or staging areas as needed, coordinating with dock teams to ensure accurate trailer manifests and shipment integrity.
  • Adhere to company safety policies, wear required PPE, and participate in safety briefings and training; proactively report hazards, near-misses and incidents to supervisors.
  • Support returns processing by inspecting returned items, updating WMS records, segregating inventory for restock or disposition, and completing associated paperwork.
  • Maintain clean, organized and OSHA-compliant pick zones and aisles to reduce damage, speed retrieval and improve workplace safety.
  • Read and interpret pick tickets, packing slips, SKU labels and shelf tags quickly and accurately; utilize mobile devices and paper-based documentation as required.
  • Communicate effectively with packers, supervisors and shipping staff to prioritize rush orders, resolve discrepancies and coordinate special handling requests.
  • Follow temperature-control protocols and specialized handling procedures for refrigerated, frozen or hazardous materials when assigned to cold storage or controlled environments.
  • Track and meet KPIs such as units picked per hour, orders completed per shift, pick accuracy, and on-time staging; participate in continuous improvement initiatives to raise productivity and reduce errors.
  • Train and mentor new pickers on standard picking procedures, safety practices and WMS usage; demonstrate best practices to shorten ramp-up time and maintain team performance.
  • Support ad-hoc fulfillment tasks during peak periods, including kitting, labeling, and light assembly of promotional or multi-SKU orders.
  • Maintain accountability for assigned equipment (scanners, carts, PPE), ensuring secure storage and prompt reporting of loss or malfunction.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist shipping and receiving teams during high-volume periods by cross-checking manifests, staging inbound product and verifying delivered quantities.
  • Participate in periodic process audits and root-cause reviews to identify recurring picking errors and recommend corrective actions.
  • Help implement and sustain 5S and lean warehousing practices within the pick area to improve flow and reduce waste.
  • Update and maintain shelf tags, zone maps and pick path layouts to reflect inventory changes and improve pick efficiency.
  • Support small system updates or data entry tasks related to order exceptions, location transfers and inventory adjustments in the WMS.
  • Coordinate with quality assurance for quarantined or suspect inventory; follow disposition instructions and record actions.
  • Provide input to leadership on ergonomic improvements, cart configurations and equipment needs that reduce strain and boost productivity.
  • Backfill related roles—packer, sorter or inventory clerk—when staffing needs require cross-functional coverage.
  • Assist with labeling and barcoding projects, ensuring printable labels meet barcode quality standards for accurate scanning downstream.
  • Participate in training sessions and safety drills; assist in onboarding documentation and shadowing of new hires.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and handheld RF scanners for order picking, cycle counting and inventory adjustments.
  • Experience with barcode scanning, label verification, and working knowledge of UPC/SKU/lot number conventions.
  • Familiarity with common picking methods: batch, wave, zone and single-order picking, and ability to adapt to dynamic workflows.
  • Competence in basic material handling equipment: manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, order pickers and dollies; forklift certification a plus where applicable.
  • Ability to accurately complete cycle counts, inventory reconciliations and basic inventory reporting in WMS or Excel.
  • Knowledge of FIFO/FEFO rotation practices and product shelf-life handling for perishable goods.
  • Basic computer literacy: ability to use mobile devices, handheld terminals, and navigate web-based dashboards or enterprise systems.
  • Understanding of packing techniques, box selection, void-fill materials and proper labeling to prevent transit damage.
  • Familiarity with safety regulations (OSHA) and PPE requirements for warehouse environments.
  • Experience working in temperature-controlled environments (refrigerated/frozen) and following cold-chain procedures, if applicable.
  • Capability to read and interpret packing lists, item manifests and shipping documentation accurately.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high pick accuracy and order completeness.
  • Time management and organization skills to meet productivity targets and prioritize urgent orders.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for cross-shift coordination and exception reporting.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to lift, bend and reach repeatedly throughout shifts (subject to company lifting policies).
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate with pickers, packers, inventory control and logistics teams.
  • Reliability, punctuality and a strong work ethic in a shift-based environment.
  • Problem-solving orientation to identify root causes of inventory discrepancies and propose practical fixes.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities during peak seasons and promotions.
  • Customer-focused attitude—understands how picking accuracy impacts downstream customer satisfaction.
  • Safety-first mentality: proactively identifies hazards and follows established protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificates or coursework in logistics, supply chain fundamentals, or warehouse operations

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Operations or Industrial Technology
  • Occupational Safety and Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of warehouse or fulfillment experience for entry-level Hand Picker roles

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years of direct order picking experience using a WMS/RF scanning system; prior experience in high-volume e-commerce or grocery fulfillment preferred
  • Experience working in temperature-controlled environments or with regulated products is a plus
  • Forklift or other equipment certification preferred where role responsibilities include powered equipment operation
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