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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Attendant

💰 $28,000 - $42,000 / year

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Attendant is a hands-on logistics professional responsible for efficient receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping of goods. This role ensures inventory accuracy, safe material handling, and timely order fulfillment by operating warehouse equipment, using warehouse management systems (WMS), and following safety and quality procedures. Ideal candidates demonstrate attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced distribution environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer or Production Associate
  • Retail Stock Associate / Backroom Associate
  • Seasonal Warehouse/Distribution Worker

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Attendant / Senior Material Handler
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist / Inventory Manager
  • Logistics Coordinator / Distribution Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping Clerk
  • Procurement or Purchasing Assistant
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive incoming shipments: verify quantities, inspect for damage, record discrepancies, and sign for deliveries using carrier documentation and WMS (Warehouse Management System).
  • Accurately unload trucks and freight using pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts, following safe lifting and handling protocols.
  • Perform order picking and packing: pick items to order from pick lists or RF scanner directions, verify SKUs, pack securely to prevent damage, and prepare shipping labels and documentation.
  • Process returns and reverse logistics: inspect returned merchandise, update inventory records, quarantine damaged product, and coordinate disposition with inventory control or purchasing.
  • Cycle count and physical inventory support: conduct scheduled cycle counts, report variances, investigate root causes, and assist with full physical inventories to maintain stock accuracy.
  • Operate warehouse equipment safely and efficiently, including sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and order pickers; maintain required certifications.
  • Load outbound shipments onto trailers and containers, ensuring correct manifesting, trailer load plans, and proper weight distribution.
  • Update and maintain inventory records in the WMS and ERP systems, enter adjustments, and reconcile on-hand quantities against physical counts.
  • Stage orders for shipping, consolidate multi-line shipments, verify carrier requirements, and hand off to freight providers or courier services.
  • Inspect packaging materials and supplies, identify shortages, and communicate reorder needs to procurement or warehouse management.
  • Labeling and barcoding: apply barcode labels, maintain label standards, and ensure scans/readability for automated systems and RF devices.
  • Follow and promote warehouse safety programs (OSHA, company-specific policies): report hazards, follow lockout/tagout procedures, and attend safety meetings.
  • Assist in loading and unloading cross-dock operations and quick-turn shipments to meet same-day or expedited delivery schedules.
  • Maintain product storage locations: ensure proper rotation (FIFO/LIFO), shelf location organization, palletizing best practices, and racking compliance.
  • Prepare shipping paperwork and documentation including bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices (if applicable), and export documentation in coordination with logistics.
  • Monitor inbound/outbound shipment timelines and communicate delays or issues to supervisors and customer service to minimize customer impact.
  • Coordinate with quality control to quarantine suspect product, assist with root-cause collection of samples, and document findings for corrective action.
  • Execute special project work: kitting, assembly, labeling campaigns, seasonal reconfigurations, and promotional pack-outs with attention to detail.
  • Maintain clean and organized work areas, aisles, and staging zones to support operational efficiency and safety inspections.
  • Use RF scanners, tablets, or mobile computers to complete transactions in real-time, troubleshoot scanning issues, and escalate technical problems.
  • Support cross-functional teams (customer service, purchasing, production) with inventory inquiries, order adjustments, and expedited fulfillment tasks.
  • Adhere to performance metrics and KPIs such as pick accuracy, on-time shipments, dock-to-stock time, and productivity targets; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist supervisors with onboarding and training of new attendants on standard operating procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.
  • Participate in periodic audits (safety, compliance, inventory) and prepare documentation requested by auditors or regulatory bodies.
  • Support ad-hoc projects such as warehouse layout redesigns, slotting optimization, and process mapping to improve throughput.
  • Communicate with warehouse management regarding supply shortages, equipment maintenance, and potential process bottlenecks.
  • Perform light maintenance and basic housekeeping on equipment (cleaning, daily checks) and report mechanical issues to maintenance staff.
  • Provide occasional weekend or overtime coverage during peak seasons, product launches, or emergency shipment windows.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • WMS (Warehouse Management System) proficiency — experience with systems such as Oracle WMS, Manhattan, SAP EWM, Infor, or Fishbowl.
  • RF scanner and mobile computing operation — picking, cycle counting, and receiving workflows via handheld devices.
  • Forklift operation and certification — sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, and pallet jack experience.
  • Shipping & receiving procedures — manifests, bills of lading, carrier coordination, and staging.
  • Inventory control and cycle counting methodologies — FIFO/LIFO stock rotation and reconciliation techniques.
  • Basic data entry and accuracy — updating ERP/WMS records, receiving logs, and inventory adjustments.
  • Barcode labeling and scanning protocols — creation, application, and troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of packing, palletizing, and load securement techniques to prevent damage in transit.
  • OSHA and workplace safety compliance — proper PPE usage, material handling ergonomics, and hazard reporting.
  • Basic forklift and equipment preventive maintenance checks and safe operation checklists.
  • Physical stamina for repetitive lifting, standing, and carrying up to specified weight limits (per company policy).
  • Familiarity with shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, LTL common carriers) and freight terminology.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy when picking, counting, and documenting inventory.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing demands.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for coordination with team members and external carriers.
  • Teamwork and collaboration — willingness to assist peers, share knowledge, and support cross-functional goals.
  • Problem-solving mindset — ability to identify root causes of discrepancies and suggest practical solutions.
  • Reliability and strong work ethic — punctuality, consistent attendance, and adherence to schedules.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle varied tasks, overtime, and seasonal workload fluctuations.
  • Customer-service orientation — understanding the impact of precise fulfillment on customer satisfaction.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in logistics, warehouse operations, or a related field.
  • Certifications such as OSHA-10, forklift operator certification, or Certified Logistics Associate (CLA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Industrial Technology or Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Entry-level: 0–2 years warehouse or distribution experience.
  • Experienced: 2–5 years preferred for roles with responsibility for equipment operation and inventory control.

Preferred:

  • 1+ year of experience operating forklifts and material handling equipment.
  • Prior experience using WMS and RF scanning systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in high-volume shipping/receiving environments and adherence to KPI targets.
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