The Different Types of Warehouse Jobs

Warehouse Jobs

A warehouse is essentially where all the exciting products and production materials that a company sells is made, processed, and stored. An exciting place, isn’t it? Correct! I’ll be giving you an overview of all the different types of warehouse jobs. Horizon Staffing Solutions has many warehouse jobs available in New York and it’s important to understand what type of job you are going to be performing.

Material Handler
The material handler is the go to person for moving pallets or materials to the production line. Material handlers do this by getting the material from the truck or inventory and using hand trucks to cart the material to pallets. Each pallet is then lifted using forklifts, cherry-pickers, or clamps to get to the forklifts. Childhood dream or not, driving one of these forklifts is no walk in the park. Trust me. Lifting your best buddy with one of these does not make management happy. Scales and packaging machines can also be operated and maintained by the Material Handler.

Shipping and Receiving Associate

The Shipping and Receiving Associate oversees the processing of shipments going in and out, preparing new orders, and the organization of each shipment. Shipments are their life! Key roles like this one make the whole warehouse function without a hitch. Pun intended…counting orders and quality material inspection are critical in this role. Critical tasks like unpacking shipments, pointing out damaged goods, and diagnosing repairs to tools and equipment can be required of the Shipping and Receiving Associate. Basic computer skills may or may not be required when working with inventory or products and order materials. Inventory of products is often taken with the guidance and management of the Warehouse Clerk. All reports of possible safety violations and damage inventory must be voiced to management.

Warehouse Clerk
Customers meet with the Warehouse Clerk and give them their information. Their information is then used, by the Warehouse Clerk, to determine the products needed. Customers speak directly to the clerk and then he/she fulfills the order based on the customer’s need. Helping with order fulfillment, preparing orders, and taking care of returns are just a few of things the clerk manages. Safety is priority number one during their shift. Efficiency and a great attention to detail is what makes a Warehouse Clerk so successful. Grabbing material and packing them for delivery makes a Warehouse Clerk the go-to person for many managing tasks.

Forklift Driver / Operator
This person lives the childhood dream of driving one of the yellow or red beauties around the warehouse. The Forklift driver takes material in and out of the storage area to the loading docks.

Forklift Drive / Operator Duties:

This position, like the many others in the warehouse, can be physically demanding. Drivers tend to be sitting and lifting heavy objects when loading products to and from pallets. Lifting the heavy objects by physically lifting them or using the Forklift requires diligence and safety awareness. Checking the forklift’s battery, oil, and tire pressure are very important to maintain the level of safety for the driver and the other workers.

Loader
Products that are dropped off by the Forklift driver are then organized and maximized for space on the truck or freight. This constant game of Tetris is crucial for the loader. Their responsibility and judgement allows the warehouse to effectively transport the most products to customers. The loader must have high endurance to be witty and moving constantly to get products in and out of the loading docks. Taking these attributes into consideration, many warehouses train the loader and other position to be the master of all.

Other Warehouse Jobs Include:

General Laborer
An individual that can do a variety of warehousing duties that apply to different types of positions. This person can do everything from driving trucks to cleaning up the warehouse and does not require a skill set. The position of general laborer is the “jack of all trades” for a warehouse. They can complete any task(s) at any time.

Shipping Specialist
A shipping specialist processes, documents, and directs shipments. Works with the company’s vendors to check that the deliveries are sent out and delivered on time. Shipping specialists are the go-to person for each delivery. They are often included with management and communicate constantly with Warehouse Clerks about orders.

Merchandise Pickup/Receiving Associate
This type of warehouse job is a person who handles and moves merchandise, controls machinery, operates vehicles, inspects equipment, and does general labor work in a warehouse. Merchandise pickup involves taking instruction from the shipping specialist. Each position works together as a team to ensure no mistakes are made during pickup or delivery.

Receiver
The receiver handles the stock in the warehouse. Their primary function is to keep the flow of merchandise moving. The receiver is not someone who plays football in the warehouse, no matter how tempting it may be. The receiver is someone who takes inventory into the warehouse and stores it with direction from management.

Warehouse Worker
A warehouse worker does many different tasks inside the warehouse. This can include pulling materials, packing boxes, placing orders in the delivery area, and can even complete deliveries by driving a truck to and from vendors. Many warehouse workers perform preventative maintenance requirements and repairs.

Stock Clerk (Stocker)
Stock Clerks are responsible for keeping certain materials and items in stock. A warehouse may have a production environment. This makes the roles more critical than the average warehouse.

 

As you can see, there are many different types of warehouse jobs. Each of these roles can be critical for a warehouse to function properly. Are you looking for a warehouse position? Submit your warehouse resume or reach out to us by using our contact us form.