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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Assistant

💰 $28,000 - $40,000

LogisticsWarehouseOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Assistant (also commonly listed as Warehouse Associate or Material Handler) is responsible for supporting day-to-day warehouse operations to ensure accurate, safe, and timely movement of inventory. Core responsibilities include receiving inbound goods, performing order picking and packing, preparing shipments, maintaining inventory accuracy through cycle counts, operating material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks), and keeping the work area organized to meet productivity and safety standards. This role requires familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode/RF scanning devices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and a strong focus on quality, safety, and on-time delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Retail Stock Clerk / Backroom Associate
  • General Laborer or Production Worker
  • Receiving Clerk / Package Handler

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Associate / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator / Dispatcher

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (Warehouse)
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive, unload, inspect, and verify inbound shipments against purchase orders and packing slips; report and document discrepancies, damages, or shortages to supervisory staff and update WMS records accurately.
  • Operate forklift, reach truck, and pallet jack to move, stack, stage, and retrieve product safely and efficiently while following OSHA and company safety protocols (forklift certification preferred).
  • Pick customer orders using RF/barcode scanners and pick lists generated by the Warehouse Management System (WMS); accurately assemble, label, and stage orders for shipment to meet cut-off times and SLA requirements.
  • Pack items securely using industry-standard packing methods and materials to minimize damage in transit; prepare bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other necessary shipping documentation.
  • Perform cycle counts, physical inventories, and SKU reconciliation to maintain inventory accuracy; investigate discrepancies and support corrective action processes.
  • Stage and load outbound shipments by verifying carriers, weight/volume limits, and securing loads to prevent damage; coordinate with carrier drivers for timely pickup and delivery.
  • Process returns (RMA), quarantine suspect or damaged goods, inspect returned items, and update inventory and ERP/WMS systems per return merchandise procedures.
  • Label incoming and outgoing inventory with barcodes, lot numbers, expiration dates, and location identifiers; ensure traceability for batch, lot, or serialized stock.
  • Follow standard operating procedures for hazardous materials handling when required, including labeling, segregation, and documentation consistent with DOT and company rules.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date data entry in WMS/ERP systems, including receipts, transfers, adjustments, and shipping confirmations to support real-time inventory visibility.
  • Assist in staging and executing cross-dock operations to facilitate rapid transfer of goods between inbound and outbound shipments with minimal handling.
  • Utilize handheld scanners and tablets to capture transaction data, troubleshoot scanning errors, and ensure electronic records match physical counts.
  • Conduct quality inspections on inbound and outbound goods to check for damage, defects, correct quantities, and adherence to specifications or packing instructions.
  • Support order prioritization efforts for time-sensitive or high-priority shipments, coordinating with supervision and carriers to meet critical customer deadlines.
  • Perform daily housekeeping, sweeping, pallet recycling, and waste disposal to keep aisles, docks, and work zones clean, organized, and safe.
  • Assist with staging materials and inventory replenishment to pick locations to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize picking errors or stockouts.
  • Adhere to productivity and performance metrics (KPI), including picks per hour, order accuracy, on-time shipments, and throughput targets; collaborate to identify and implement process improvements.
  • Communicate effectively with warehouse supervisors, inventory control, procurement, and shipping partners to resolve issues and optimize workflows.
  • Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions; proactively identify hazards and participate in corrective action and continuous improvement programs.
  • Support seasonal surge operations, promotions, and special projects by working flexible hours, overtime, or adjusted shifts to meet business demand.
  • Assist in onboarding and training new warehouse staff on equipment operation, picking and packing procedures, safety rules, and WMS transactions under supervisory direction.
  • Maintain equipment and tool logs, report maintenance needs for forklifts, conveyors, and handling equipment, and follow lockout/tagout procedures as required.

Secondary Functions

  • Help prepare documentation for freight claims, documenting photos and condition reports to support carrier disputes and insurance claims.
  • Provide backup coverage for related warehouse roles (e.g., shipping clerk, receiving clerk, inventory auditor) during absences or peak periods.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting process issues, suggesting efficiency improvements, and participating in Kaizen events.
  • Assist procurement and receiving with vendor compliance checks, labeling requirements, and advanced shipping notice (ASN) reconciliation.
  • Liaise with customer service and sales teams to clarify order details and resolve fulfillment exceptions or special handling requests.
  • Compile and deliver daily or weekly operational reports to supervisors, including productivity stats, inventory variances, and open discrepancies.
  • Participate in ERP/WMS upgrades and testing by validating transactions, testing new workflows, and providing user feedback.
  • Maintain and organize spare parts and small tools inventory for warehouse equipment and operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) — experience with SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, JDA, or equivalent is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with RF barcode scanners, mobile devices, and handheld terminals for real-time data capture.
  • Forklift operation and certification (Class II/Class III) and safe operation of pallet jacks, reach trucks, and hand trucks.
  • Strong understanding of shipping and receiving procedures, including staging, palletizing, and preparing carrier paperwork (BOL, manifest).
  • Inventory control practices: cycle counting, reconciliation, SKU-level accuracy, and basic root-cause analysis for discrepancies.
  • Knowledge of basic packaging techniques, packing optimization, weight distribution, and materials handling to minimize freight damage.
  • Competence in Microsoft Excel for simple reporting, sorting, and basic formulas (SUM, COUNTIF) and familiarity with ERP transaction entry.
  • Ability to read and interpret purchase orders, packing lists, shipping labels, and product specifications.
  • Basic math skills for counting, weight measurement, and volume calculations.
  • Understanding of workplace safety standards (OSHA, DOT) and experience participating in safety audits or incident reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and high emphasis on order accuracy and quality control.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with internal teams and external carriers.
  • Team-oriented attitude and willingness to help peers during peak periods and cross-functional tasks.
  • Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate appropriately and suggest process improvements.
  • Physical stamina and endurance for extended periods of standing, lifting (up to company limits), bending, and repetitive motion.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal workload fluctuations, and shift schedules.
  • Customer-focused orientation to ensure on-time and accurate order fulfillment.
  • Strong ethical standards for handling confidential orders and sensitive inventory.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or coursework in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Technology, or Business Administration is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain / Logistics
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology / Manufacturing
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of warehouse, distribution, or material handling experience for entry-level roles.
  • 1–3+ years preferred for roles requiring equipment operation or WMS proficiency.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience using a WMS or ERP system in a distribution center.
  • Forklift certification and demonstrated safe equipment operation.
  • Demonstrated track record of meeting productivity and accuracy KPIs.
  • Experience with shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, LTL, TL) and understanding of carrier requirements and manifests.
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