Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Clerk

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Clerk is a frontline operations role responsible for accurate receiving, storage, order picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control within a fast-paced warehouse or distribution environment. This position supports efficient material flow, ensures data accuracy in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), enforces safety and quality standards, and collaborates with supervisors and fulfillment teams to meet daily productivity and customer service goals.

Key keywords: warehouse clerk, shipping and receiving, inventory control, order fulfillment, picking & packing, WMS, RF scanner, logistics, safety compliance, material handling.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Stockroom Associate / Stock Clerk
Receiving or Shipping Clerk
General Laborer or Material Handler

Advancement To:

Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor or Lead
Logistics Coordinator or Shipping Manager

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator (Certified)
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive incoming shipments, inspect packaging and product condition, verify counts and SKUs against packing lists and purchase orders, document discrepancies, and escalate damaged or missing items to supervisors.
Accurately record receipts and movements in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP, updating item locations, quantities, lot numbers, and expiration dates to maintain real-time inventory accuracy.
Pick customer orders using pick lists, RF scanners, or handheld devices, following FIFO/LIFO or batch-picking procedures to meet order accuracy and throughput targets.
Pack orders to company and carrier specifications, including appropriate cushioning, palletization, labeling (including barcode and shipping labels), and preparing Bills of Lading to minimize damage and ensure carrier compliance.
Stage and prepare outbound shipments for carrier pickup, coordinate with carriers and logistics partners, and verify carrier manifests and paperwork to ensure on-time delivery.
Conduct regular cycle counts and physical inventories, reconcile variances between physical counts and system records, investigate root causes of discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
Operate warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks, powered pallet trucks, and forklifts (when certified), following safe operating procedures and OSHA-compliant practices.
Load and unload trailers, break down pallets, and move goods to appropriate storage locations while optimizing space utilization and following storage protocols for hazardous or temperature-sensitive items.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, enforce warehouse safety practices, report hazards or incidents, and participate in safety training and toolbox talks.
Label, tag, and segregate non-conforming, returned, or quarantine inventory and coordinate disposition or return-to-vendor processes with quality and procurement teams.
Prepare and process returns (RMA), restock sellable items, document returns in the WMS, and coordinate with customer service to resolve return-related issues.
Collaborate with customer service and sales teams to prioritize rush orders, resolve order discrepancies, and provide real-time updates on order status and inventory availability.
Follow and enforce packing standards, weight limits, and carrier-specific requirements to reduce freight claims and ensure accurate freight billing and dimension capture.
Use handheld RF scanners and barcode systems to scan items, update inventory transactions, and troubleshoot scanning errors to maintain data integrity.
Assist in the implementation and continuous improvement of warehouse processes, 5S initiatives, and standard operating procedures to increase throughput and lower error rates.
Monitor inventory turnover and obsolescence indicators, flag slow-moving or overstock items, and provide input for inventory optimization and purchasing decisions.
Prepare documentation for regulatory compliance (e.g., MSDS handling, temperature logs, traceability records) for regulated goods and support audits by providing requested inventory and shipping records.
Train and mentor new warehouse clerks and seasonal staff on receiving, picking, packing, and safety processes to ensure consistent operations and reduce onboarding time.
Coordinate with maintenance to report and prioritize repair needs for warehouse equipment and environmental controls, ensuring minimal downtime and safe operations.
Track and reconcile shipping damage claims and shortages, gather supporting documentation (photos, packing lists, carrier paperwork), and work with carriers and insurance to resolve claims.
Monitor daily productivity metrics (orders per hour, picks per hour, accuracy rate) and contribute to team goals by suggesting workflow or layout improvements.
Execute light administrative tasks such as preparing shipping reports, filing paperwork, entering inventory adjustments, and maintaining logs for cycle counts and temperature-controlled storage.

(Additional common responsibilities — include as applicable to the site:)

Support seasonal surges and peak periods by covering extended shifts and flexible scheduling to meet operational demands.
Assist with basic inventory forecasting activities by reporting trends observed on the floor (e.g., frequently returned SKUs, picking bottlenecks).

Secondary Functions

Support cross-functional projects (e.g., WMS upgrades, layout redesigns, process mapping) by providing operational insight and validating system changes.
Help maintain supply levels for packing stations (tape, labels, boxes) and report shortages to procurement to avoid processing delays.
Assist in documentation updates for standard operating procedures and participate in continuous improvement events to enhance workplace efficiency.
Provide front-line customer support for inbound queries regarding order status, shipping timelines, and inventory availability when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory Management and Cycle Counting — proven ability to perform accurate counts, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain system integrity.
Shipping & Receiving Procedures — expertise in verifying shipments, processing receipts, staging outbound loads, and preparing carrier documentation.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) — hands-on experience with WMS platforms (e.g., Oracle NetSuite, SAP WM, Manhattan, Fishbowl, HighJump) and transaction processing.
RF Scanner / Barcode Technology — proficiency scanning SKUs, lot numbers, and serial numbers using handheld devices.
Order Picking & Packing — knowledge of various picking methods (zone, batch, wave) and packing techniques to meet accuracy and damage-minimization goals.
Forklift and Material Handling Equipment — certified forklift operator experience and safe operation of pallet jacks and powered trucks (where applicable).
Microsoft Excel & Basic Computer Skills — ability to manipulate spreadsheets, generate simple reports, and enter data accurately.
Labeling & Shipping Compliance — understanding of carrier requirements, labeling standards, and basic freight documentation.
Quality Control & Returns Processing — experience managing RMAs, quarantined goods, and disposition processes.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance — familiarity with OSHA regulations, PPE usage, hazardous materials handling basics, and warehouse safety protocols.
Physical Stamina & Equipment Maintenance — ability to lift heavy packages, perform repetitive tasks, and perform basic daily equipment checks.
Basic Math and Measurement Skills — competency in counting, weighing, dimensioning, and calculating quantities for order fulfillment.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail — consistently ensures accurate counts, correct labels, and precise order fulfillment to minimize errors and returns.
Time Management & Prioritization — effectively handles competing tasks during high-volume periods to meet deadlines.
Communication — clear verbal and written communication with supervisors, teammates, carriers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Teamwork — collaborates with colleagues to meet throughput targets, share best practices, and support training.
Problem-Solving — quickly identifies root causes of inventory discrepancies or shipping issues and proposes practical fixes.
Adaptability — flexible in schedule and processes to support changing business needs, peak seasons, and system changes.
Dependability & Work Ethic — punctual, reliable, and committed to meeting productivity and quality expectations.
Customer Service Orientation — understands the impact of warehouse accuracy on customer satisfaction and acts accordingly.
Initiative — identifies opportunities to improve workflow, reduce waste, and enhance safety without constant supervision.
Stress Management — remains calm and productive in high-volume, deadline-driven environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience in warehouse operations).

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management / Logistics
Business Administration
Industrial Technology / Operations Management
Occupational Safety / Workforce Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
0–3 years for entry-level warehouse clerk roles; 1–5 years preferred for roles requiring specialized systems or equipment operation.

Preferred:
1–2 years of experience in shipping & receiving, inventory control, or WMS transaction processing. Forklift certification and prior experience with RF scanning and cycle counting are strong advantages. Experience in regulated environments (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals) is preferred for roles handling specialized inventory.