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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Order Filler / Picker

💰 $13 - $20 / hour

WarehouseLogisticsFulfillmentDistribution

🎯 Role Definition

The Order Filler / Picker (also called Order Picker, Warehouse Picker, or Order Filler) is responsible for accurately selecting, packing, and staging customer and production orders in a fast-paced fulfillment or distribution center. This role requires consistent attention to inventory accuracy, safety compliance, and productivity targets using handheld RF scanners, pick lists, and warehouse management systems (WMS). Ideal candidates are physically fit, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting hourly pick rates while maintaining 99%+ order accuracy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Production Line Worker

Advancement To:

  • Lead Picker / Team Lead (Fulfillment)
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Forklift Operator / Lift Truck Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Assistant Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Returns/Reverse Logistics Specialist
  • Packing Specialist
  • Materials Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick customer and production orders using RF handheld scanners, picklists, voice-directed picking, or pick-to-light systems, ensuring order accuracy targets (e.g., 99%+ accuracy) and meeting established units-per-hour or cases-per-hour productivity goals.
  • Pack and secure picked items using appropriate packing materials and techniques, apply correct labels, include necessary documentation (invoices, packing slips), and prepare cartons for shipment to minimize damage and returns.
  • Stage completed orders onto pallets or conveyor lines, palletize and stretch-wrap loads by company standards, and prepare shipments for carrier pickup in compliance with routing guides and load sequencing.
  • Operate manual and powered material handling equipment safely, including pallet jacks, electric pallet trucks, and forklift trucks (if certified), to receive, move, and stage inventory and orders while following lockout/tagout and safe operating procedures.
  • Receive inbound shipments, count and verify items against packing lists and purchase orders, perform initial quality checks for damages or shortages, and record discrepancies in the warehouse management system (WMS).
  • Cycle count designated inventory locations and participate in full/incremental inventory audits to help maintain inventory accuracy, investigate count variances, and support root cause analysis to reduce shrinkage.
  • Follow FIFO / FEFO procedures for perishable and lot-controlled items, verify expiration dates and lot numbers, and ensure proper rotation of stock to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Identify, document, and escalate product quality issues, damaged goods, and mismatched inventory to supervisors or quality control, quarantining suspect product and initiating return-to-vendor or scrap procedures as required.
  • Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers safely and efficiently, securing loads per carrier and company standards and verifying counts and condition of goods during inbound and outbound processes.
  • Accurately enter transactions in the WMS, including pick confirmations, pack confirmations, returns processing, location moves, and cycle count adjustments to ensure real-time inventory visibility.
  • Prepare special shipment requirements such as hazmat handling (if certified), temperature-controlled loads, expedited or cross-dock shipments, and custom labeling for international shipments in accordance with company and regulatory policies.
  • Meet or exceed daily and hourly performance targets that may be tracked by pick rate, lines per hour, cartons per hour, or order accuracy, and proactively communicate if targets cannot be met due to system or material issues.
  • Participate in continuous improvement and lean initiatives to improve picking routes, packing standards, and material flow; suggest and implement ideas to reduce wasted motion and increase throughput.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by removing debris, palletizing scrap material, following waste and recycling protocols, and complying with all OSHA and company safety procedures.
  • Train, mentor, and cross-train new and temporary warehouse staff on picking procedures, packing techniques, WMS transactions, and safety policies to support staffing flexibility and operational continuity.
  • Prepare and process customer returns and reverse logistics by inspecting returned merchandise, restocking sellable items, documenting RMA details in the system, and disposing of unsellable product per policy.
  • Assemble and maintain correct packaging and kitting orders, verify kit quantities, affix barcodes or serial numbers as required, and verify completeness of assembly to support production or promotional programs.
  • Monitor and report system or equipment malfunctions (scanners, conveyors, printers, forklifts) to maintenance and supervisory staff and assist with basic troubleshooting like replacing labels, clearing jams, and swapping batteries.
  • Adhere to regulatory and company-specific handling requirements (food safety, pharmaceutical, cold storage) including proper PPE use, temperature monitoring, and sanitation protocols when working in controlled environments.
  • Document and reconcile shipping discrepancies, short shipments, and overages by working with carriers, customer service, and inventory control to ensure timely resolution and accurate customer communication.
  • Support seasonal surges and peak periods by working flexible hours, participating in overtime schedules when required, and maintaining performance and accuracy under increased demand.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with light administrative tasks such as printing and batching pick tickets, preparing shipping manifests, and generating basic WMS or inventory reports for supervisors.
  • Contribute to team huddles and continuous improvement meetings by communicating recurring issues, safety observations, and practical suggestions for workflow optimization.
  • Help maintain consumables inventory (tape, boxes, labels, PPE) by reporting low stock levels and rotating supplies to minimize downtime.
  • Support ad-hoc project work such as facility set-ups, special promotions fulfillment, seasonal re-slotting, and one-time inventory adjustments.
  • Participate in cross-departmental collaboration with customer service, transportation, and procurement to clarify order exceptions and accelerate resolution of order holds.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation of RF barcode scanners and familiarity with common WMS platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump, NetSuite, Fishbowl).
  • Experience with picking technologies: batch picking, zone picking, voice picking, and pick-to-light systems.
  • Certified forklift operator or ability to obtain certification; safe operation of counterbalance, reach trucks, and pallet jacks.
  • Demonstrated ability to pack and secure a variety of SKUs using industry-standard packing methods and materials to prevent damage in transit.
  • Inventory control and cycle counting skills, including identifying root causes for discrepancies and executing corrective actions in the system.
  • Basic math skills for counting, weight verification, cartonization, and dimensional calculations for freight.
  • Ability to read and interpret pick tickets, packing lists, bills of lading, and product labels including UPCs, SKUs, lot, and serial numbers.
  • Familiarity with shipping carrier requirements and documentation (UPS, FedEx, USPS, LTL carriers) and basic knowledge of carrier scheduling and routing.
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations applicable to warehouse operations, including PPE use, forklift safety, and ergonomics.
  • Experience handling specialty inventory (temperature-controlled/frozen goods, hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals) with appropriate certifications where required.
  • Basic computer skills: handheld device troubleshooting, scanning workflows, entering data into WMS or ERP modules, and using email or internal ticketing systems.
  • Packaging and kitting skills including ability to read kitting instructions, assemble multi-item sets, and verify completeness before shipping.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to maintain high order accuracy under volume pressure.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to meet hourly/daily pick quotas and shipment deadlines.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for coordinating with supervisors, QC, and shipping partners.
  • Team player mentality, willing to cross-train and assist other stations during peak periods.
  • Problem solving and decision-making skills for handling order exceptions and resolving inventory discrepancies.
  • Physical stamina and reliability — ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50+ lbs regularly, and perform repetitive motions safely.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and flexibility to work different shifts, weekends, or overtime during peak seasons.
  • Positive attitude and resilience working in a fast-paced, metrics-driven fulfillment environment.
  • Observational skills to spot damaged product, unsafe conditions, and process inefficiencies, and the confidence to escalate appropriately.
  • Customer-focused mindset with an understanding that accuracy and timeliness directly impact customer satisfaction and retention.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent work experience in warehouse or distribution acceptable.

Preferred Education:

  • High school diploma or vocational training in logistics, supply chain, or related field.
  • Certifications (or willingness to obtain) such as OSHA safety training, forklift certification, or hazardous materials handling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Warehouse Operations / Distribution
  • Industrial Technology
  • Manufacturing or Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years of warehouse, fulfillment, or distribution experience for entry-level picker roles.
  • 1 to 3+ years preferred for roles with equipment operation, cold storage, or high-volume fulfillment center environments.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience with RF scanning and WMS transactions, demonstrated pick-and-pack performance metrics, and familiarity with safety and material handling equipment.
  • Proven track record of high accuracy (e.g., 99%+), reliable attendance, and the ability to work independently and in team settings.
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