Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Worker

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Worker (also called Warehouse Associate or Material Handler) is responsible for executing daily operational tasks that support order fulfillment, inventory accuracy, shipping and receiving, and safe handling of products across the supply chain. This role requires adherence to safety standards, efficient use of warehouse technology (WMS, RF scanners), physical stamina, and a continuous focus on accuracy and productivity to meet service level agreements and customer expectations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Retail Stock Associate or Stockroom Clerk
Seasonal Warehouse Temp or Picker/Packer
General Laborer or Shipping/Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Senior/Warehouse Lead Associate
Forklift / Equipment Operator Specialist
Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Warehouse Supervisor or Operations Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Order Fulfillment Specialist
Returns & Reverse Logistics Coordinator
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive, unload and inspect inbound shipments from carriers, verifying quantities and product condition against purchase orders, packing lists, and bills of lading, documenting discrepancies and communicating issues to the receiving supervisor.
Accurately pick and stage customer orders using batch, zone, or wave picking methods and handheld RF scanners or mobile devices, ensuring order accuracy and on-time fulfillment in line with daily productivity targets.
Pack, label, and prepare outbound orders for shipment according to carrier and company packaging standards, including weighing, palletizing, securing loads with stretch wrap, and generating shipping manifests and carrier documentation.
Operate material handling equipment—including forklifts (counterbalance, sit-down, reach), pallet jacks, and order pickers—in a safe and efficient manner while following equipment-specific SOPs and certifications.
Perform regular cycle counts, bin-to-bin transfers, and full physical inventory audits using the warehouse management system (WMS) to maintain and reconcile inventory accuracy and reduce shrinkage.
Process returns and reverse logistics tasks by inspecting returned merchandise, updating inventory records, labeling dispositions (return to stock, repair, scrap), and coordinating with quality control and receiving teams.
Stage and load outbound shipments onto trucks safely and in the correct sequence, verifying carrier paperwork and securing freight to prevent damage in transit.
Follow FIFO, LIFO, or other inventory rotation procedures to ensure product freshness and minimize obsolescence; identify and quarantine expired or damaged goods.
Maintain accurate, timely data entry into WMS/ERP systems (e.g., Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, Manhattan) and ensure electronic records reflect physical inventory movements to support downstream operations and reporting.
Perform quality inspections during pick/pack and receiving processes—including visual checks, weight verification, and test counts—to ensure orders meet customer specifications and quality standards.
Identify, report, and escalate safety hazards, damaged goods, and inventory discrepancies to supervisors, and participate in incident investigations and corrective action plans.
Support cross-dock and flow-through operations by coordinating with shipping, receiving, and inventory control teams to minimize dwell time and accelerate throughput.
Load and unload trailers using hand trucks, dollies, or forklifts, following carrier requirements and ensuring proper load distribution and documentation for inbound and outbound shipments.
Tag, re-label, and apply barcodes or RFID tags to inventory items and pallets to improve traceability and scanning performance during picking and cycle counts.
Adhere to established OSHA, DOT, and company health & safety policies—wear PPE, maintain clear aisles, participate in safety briefings, and complete required safety training and certifications.
Assist in seasonal peak operations and special projects such as relocations, layout changes, or promotional build-outs by flexing across shifts and tasks to meet demand peaks.
Perform basic preventive maintenance and daily pre-shift equipment checks on forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor systems and report any defects to maintenance for prompt repairs.
Support outbound quality assurance by verifying carton contents, checking serial numbers or lot codes, and ensuring all regulatory or customer-specific labeling requirements are met for specialized shipments.
Collaborate with logistics planners, dispatch, and freight partners to confirm pick-up and delivery windows, coordinate split shipments, and resolve carrier exceptions.
Train and mentor new warehouse hires on standard operating procedures, safe equipment operation, and best practices for productivity and accuracy.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment through regular housekeeping tasks—sweeping, debris removal, and organizing supplies to optimize floor space and ergonomics.
Meet or exceed daily and weekly KPIs such as picks per hour, on-time shipments, error rates, and inventory accuracy while continuously identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce waste.

Secondary Functions

Assist supervisors with daily scheduling, shift handovers, and labor allocation to support changing demand and incoming load patterns.
Participate in continuous improvement and Lean initiatives by recommending ideas to reduce travel paths, improve slotting, or enhance packing efficiency.
Support the deployment and testing of warehouse technology upgrades (RF scanners, voice picking, barcode printers) by providing user feedback and validating functionality.
Help process and archive shipping and receiving paperwork, maintain audit trails, and support internal and external audits as requested.
Coordinate with procurement to flag damaged or missing items and assist with creating return authorizations or claims against carriers.
Provide ad-hoc assistance to sales/operations teams for rush orders, special customer requests, or emergency shipments.
Participate in cross-training across receiving, picking, packing, and shipping functions to provide operational flexibility.
Assist in monitoring environmental controls for temperature-sensitive products and maintain required logs for cold-chain or controlled storage areas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift operation and certification (counterbalance, sit-down, reach truck) with documented safe operating history.
Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF handheld scanners for scanning, cycle counting, and transaction posting.
Order picking and packing techniques including batch, zone, and wave picking strategies and cartonization best practices.
Shipping and receiving knowledge, including reading bills of lading, packing lists, and preparing carrier manifests (UPS, FedEx, LTL carriers).
Inventory control and reconciliation skills: cycle counting, discrepancy investigation, and stock replenishment.
Material handling equipment operation: electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, order pickers, and conveyors.
Barcode labeling, RFID tagging, and basic label printer operation for traceability and compliance.
Basic computer literacy: data entry, Microsoft Excel (simple formulas, filtering), and email communication.
Knowledge of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) labeling and handling requirements when applicable.
Ability to perform weight checks, basic dimensional measuring, and pallet securement (stretch wrap, strapping).
Familiarity with safety standards (OSHA, DOT) and PPE usage for warehouse environments.
Experience with returns processing, reverse logistics, and disposition management.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in order fulfillment and inventory recording.
Physical stamina and a reliable work ethic to handle repetitive lifting, bending, and standing for long shifts.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks under high-volume, time-sensitive conditions.
Teamwork and collaborative mindset, working effectively with peers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
Clear verbal communication skills to coordinate with carriers, supervisors, and internal stakeholders.
Problem-solving aptitude to identify root causes of shortages, damages, or process bottlenecks and suggest corrective actions.
Adaptability and willingness to cross-train across multiple warehouse functions and shifts.
Accountability and ownership of assigned tasks, meeting KPIs and quality expectations consistently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience in a warehouse or logistics environment).

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or coursework in logistics, supply chain, or industrial operations.
Certified forklift operator or equipment operator certificate.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology or Operations Management
Business Administration with a focus on operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 5 years of warehouse, distribution, or logistics experience (entry-level to experienced associate roles).

Preferred:

1–3 years of direct experience in a high-volume warehouse environment.
Proven experience operating forklifts and RF scanning systems.
Demonstrated track record meeting productivity and accuracy KPIs, plus familiarity with safety compliance and physical inventory processes.