Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Light General Labour

🎯 Role Definition

As a Light General Labour associate, you will be the backbone of our daily operations. You will be responsible for a variety of tasks within a fast-paced warehouse or production environment. This includes handling goods, preparing orders for shipment, operating basic equipment, and ensuring our facility remains clean and organized. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player who is committed to safety, quality, and efficiency. This position offers a fantastic entry point into the logistics and manufacturing industry with ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

No prior formal experience required
Retail Associate or Stock Clerk
Food Service Worker or Fast Food Crew Member
Gig economy roles (e.g., delivery driver)

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Lead Hand
Certified Forklift Operator
Machine Operator
Shipping and Receiving Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Clerk
Quality Assurance Inspector
Assembly Line Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently lift, carry, and move packages and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, utilizing proper lifting techniques and material handling equipment.
Accurately pick customer orders using an RF scanner or paper pick-list, ensuring the correct product and quantity are selected.
Meticulously pack and label products for shipment, verifying that all items match the packing slip and are secured to prevent damage.
Operate manual and electric pallet jacks to transport materials, pallets, and finished goods throughout the facility.
Load and unload trucks and shipping containers, stacking and organizing products according to established procedures.
Perform visual quality checks on products and packaging to identify any defects, damages, or discrepancies and report them immediately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area by performing general housekeeping duties, including sweeping, tidying, and disposing of waste.
Assemble product components and kits according to detailed work instructions and quality standards.
Prepare and stage materials for the production or assembly lines to ensure a continuous and efficient workflow.
Affix shipping labels, barcodes, and other identifying tags to packages and pallets with a high degree of accuracy.
Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequences such as size, type, or product code.
Follow all company safety protocols, procedures, and OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
Utilize basic hand tools and power tools for simple assembly, disassembly, or packaging tasks as required.
Monitor inventory levels in your designated work area and communicate shortages or replenishment needs to the team lead.

Secondary Functions

Assist in periodic inventory counts and cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
Provide support to other departments or teams during peak periods or to cover absences as directed by a supervisor.
Break down cardboard boxes and operate the baler for recycling purposes.
Perform basic preventative maintenance checks on equipment, such as inspecting pallet jacks before use.
Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Document and record production data, such as quantities produced, scrap, and downtime, on log sheets or in a computer system.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling: Ability to safely lift, move, and handle packages up to 50 lbs.
Equipment Operation: Experience operating manual pallet jacks and other basic warehouse equipment.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Competency in using handheld RF scanners for picking, packing, and inventory tasks.
Basic Math & Numeracy: Ability to perform simple calculations, count accurately, and measure items.
Reading Comprehension: Skill in reading and interpreting work orders, packing slips, and safety instructions.
Tool Usage: Familiarity with using basic hand tools (e.g., box cutters, tape guns) safely and effectively.

Soft Skills

Reliability & Punctuality: A strong record of being on time and dependable is essential.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking orders, labels, and product quality to minimize errors.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse team to achieve common goals.
Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability: Flexible and willing to perform a variety of tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
Strong Work Ethic: Proactive, motivated, and committed to performing duties to the best of your ability.
Communication Skills: Ability to listen to instructions and communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety rules and procedures at all times.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is an asset, but not strictly required.

Preferred Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Not applicable for this role; focus is on experience and skills.
Vocational training in logistics or warehousing is a plus.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years

Preferred:

Previous experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, or similar industrial environment is highly valued but not mandatory. We are willing to train motivated candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.