Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Logistics Technician

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a motivated Warehouse Logistics Technician who will ensure efficient, accurate, and safe movement of goods through our facility. This role owns hands-on operational tasks such as receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping, cycle counting, and routine equipment operation while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, comfortable with warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF scanning technology, and able to thrive in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Key SEO phrases: warehouse logistics technician, inventory control, shipping and receiving, forklift operator, WMS, cycle counts, picking and packing, supply chain technician.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Warehouse Operative
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Forklift Operator / Material Handler

Advancement To:

Senior Warehouse Technician / Lead Technician
Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
Logistics Coordinator or Inventory Control Supervisor
Inventory Manager or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector
Supply Chain Analyst (entry-level transition)
Maintenance Technician (warehouse equipment focus)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive inbound shipments, verify manifest and packing lists, inspect product condition against purchase orders, record discrepancies in the Warehouse Management System (WMS), and coordinate corrective actions with procurement and vendors to ensure inventory accuracy and timely resolution.
Perform accurate and efficient putaway of received goods into assigned bin locations using WMS-directed putaway logic, optimizing space utilization and ensuring aisle and SKU accessibility for pick operations.
Execute daily order picking using RF scanners, voice-pick systems, or pick lists; verify SKU, lot and serial numbers, pick accuracy, and quantity, and stage orders for packing and shipping to meet customer lead times and on-time delivery targets.
Pack, label, and prepare outbound shipments according to packing guidelines, carrier requirements (UPS, FedEx, LTL), and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) rules when applicable, ensuring damage prevention and compliance with shipping documentation.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and other powered industrial equipment safely and proficiently; perform pre-shift equipment checks and report maintenance needs promptly to minimize downtime.
Conduct regular cycle counts, spot checks, and full physical inventories as scheduled; investigate variances, reconcile stock discrepancies, update inventory records, and implement root-cause corrective actions to improve counting accuracy.
Stage, palletize, shrink-wrap, and label pallets for shipment; prepare bills of lading, commercial invoices, and other export/import documentation when required to support cross-border logistics.
Monitor and maintain SKU rotation using FIFO / FEFO principles to control product shelf life and expiration dates; remove expired or obsolete inventory per company procedures and coordinate returns or disposal.
Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently, following carrier check-in/out procedures and load-securement best practices; verify inbound and outbound load counts and conditions to minimize claims.
Manage returns processing (RMA), inspecting returned goods for disposition (restock, repair, scrap), recording return reasons, and updating inventory systems to reflect accurate stock and pending actions.
Use Warehouse Management Systems (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle NetSuite, SAP EWM) and handheld RF scanning devices to execute transactions, track inventory movements, and generate operational reports that support decision-making.
Maintain accurate location and bin counts, perform slotting recommendations with supervisors, and participate in periodic slotting projects to optimize pick travel and reduce order cycle times.
Support cross-dock operations by receiving, sorting, and transferring product through the facility with minimal storage time to accelerate the supply chain and reduce handling costs.
Perform routine preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting of warehouse equipment, conveyors, scales, and packaging machinery; escalate technical issues to maintenance teams and document repairs.
Enforce safety regulations and company policies by conducting daily safety checks, maintaining clean and organized work areas, participating in toolbox talks, and reporting unsafe conditions to leadership.
Prepare and complete shipping manifests, customs documents, and hazardous goods paperwork accurately to prevent delays at origin or destination and to ensure regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with customer service, procurement, and transportation teams to resolve order discrepancies, expedite urgent shipments, and communicate status updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Track and report key operational metrics such as picks per hour, orders per shift, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, and dock-to-stock cycle times; recommend and implement process improvements to meet or exceed KPI goals.
Assist in training new hires on warehouse processes, safe equipment operation, WMS usage, and quality standards; document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to training materials.
Implement and support lean and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen), identifying waste reduction opportunities in material handling, packaging, and labor allocation to drive operational efficiency.
Ensure proper handling and segregation of hazardous materials, controlled substances, or temperature-sensitive items following SOPs and OSHA / DOT regulations to protect employees and meet compliance requirements.
Participate in seasonal surge planning and temporary labor coordination, including onboarding, task assignment, and performance tracking to meet peak volume demands without sacrificing quality.

Secondary Functions

Support cycle count reconciliations and audit activities by preparing variance reports and coordinating corrective inventory actions with finance and procurement teams.
Assist in data entry and maintenance of inventory master records, SKU attributes, and location details in the WMS to ensure clean data that improves reporting and automation.
Contribute to continuous improvement projects by collecting time-motion data, documenting current-state workflows, and piloting process changes aimed at reducing lead time and cost per unit.
Coordinate with carrier partners to schedule pick-ups and troubleshoot transit exceptions, claims, and delivery discrepancies to maintain high customer satisfaction.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate capacity constraints, material shortages, and upcoming promotions that impact warehouse throughput and labor planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift operation (sit-down, reach, counterbalance) with valid certification and proven safe operating experience.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) proficiency — experience with Manhattan, Oracle NetSuite, SAP EWM, Infor, or equivalent.
RF handheld scanners, barcode systems, and mobile computing device usage for receiving, picking, and cycle count transactions.
Inventory control techniques: cycle counting, physical inventory, ABC analysis, slotting optimization, and variance investigation.
Shipping & receiving operations and documentation: bills of lading, freight manifests, packing lists, commercial invoices, and RMA processing.
Knowledge of packaging best practices, pallet configuration, shrink-wrap, strapping, and cartonization to prevent damage and minimize freight cost.
Basic MS Office skills, particularly Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables) for reporting inventory trends and reconciling discrepancies.
Understanding of OSHA safety regulations, DOT/HAZMAT requirements, and safe material handling procedures.
Experience with conveyor systems, automated sortation, pick-to-light or voice-picking technologies is a plus.
Basic mechanical aptitude to perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot conveyors and packaging equipment, and coordinate with maintenance teams.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in counting, labeling, and documentation.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills to coordinate across operations, shipping, and customer service.
Time management and prioritization skills to meet tight shipment deadlines and fluctuating workload demands.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, changing environments, including seasonal volume spikes.
Reliability and strong work ethic with consistent attendance and punctuality.
Customer service orientation — clear focus on delivering accurate orders and resolving issues proactively.
Safety-first attitude and the ability to coach peers on safe work practices.
Initiative to identify process improvements and contribute ideas for operational efficiency.
Ability to train and mentor new staff, articulate SOPs, and provide constructive feedback.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
Certifications such as OSHA 10-hour, Forklift Operator Certification, or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology or Manufacturing
Business Administration
Transportation and Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–3 years of hands-on warehouse or distribution center experience; demonstrates competence in receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control.

Preferred:

3–5+ years in warehouse operations with experience using WMS, RF scanning, forklift operation certification, and experience with cycle counting and continuous improvement projects. Experience in regulated, temperature-controlled, or hazardous materials environments is advantageous.