What Kind of Work Can You Get in a Warehouse?

Warehouse positions are a great job option for those without a college degree or anyone looking for a fast-paced job environment.

Summer and fall are the best times to consider a warehousing job, as businesses are shifting their focus to the upcoming holiday season. More orders will be placed, and more shipments will need to be packed, which means there’s a rising need for warehouse workers. But what kind of positions are available?

What Kind of Positions Can You Get in a Warehouse?

There are a few routes you can take, some of the most common positions in a warehouse include:

1. Receiver

A Receiver in a warehouse receives incoming shipments. Receivers are very important as these are the individuals who record and verify each shipment. They’re expected to sign off on each shipment, ensuring that everything is in good condition.

Not only do receivers unload shipments, but they are also responsible for checking packing lists, recording any damages, and confirming the number of skids, tubs, and containers to ensure things are running smoothly.

→ Find Open Receiver Jobs

2. Warehouse Associate

A warehouse associate can be considered a “jack-of-all-trades”, as they have many different responsibilities. A general associate may help with packing orders, and taking inventory, or they even may help with unloading incoming shipments.

Warehouse associates typically have some experience, but they may also include entry-level employees. They may be hired to complete one singular task, or they may move around and tend to other needs within the warehouse, it all depends on the company and industry.

→ Find Open Warehouse Associate Jobs

3. Forklift Operators and Cherry Pickers

Forklift operators are needed to move shipments throughout the warehouse. Whether it be for moving incoming shipments to storage or moving outgoing shipments to the loading dock, a forklift operator is essential for any warehouse.

To do this job, forklift operators will need specific training, as they are carrying valuable inventory. Along with moving inventory, they may also be responsible for organizing the inventory, especially if moving items on high shelves.

→ Find Open Forklift Operator Jobs

4. Warehouse Manager

Warehouse managers are individuals who have accumulated some experience in a warehouse. To work in this position, experience in all aspects of the warehouse is required. From shipping and receiving to inventory management to operating motorized vehicles around the warehouse.

Managers will also need to have some experience supervising a team of warehouse associates. Since there are many different moving parts in a warehouse, managers are essential to keep the business operating successfully.

→ Find Open Warehouse Manager Jobs

5. Material Handler

Material handlers help with picking and packing inventory within a warehouse. They’ll need some forklift operating experience and will often take care of other duties like operating cherry pickers, pallet trucks, and industrial lift trucks.

Some responsibilities they must perform include assisting with stacking and palletizing products, as well as loading filling machines.

→ Find Open Material Handler Jobs

6. Receiving

A shipping and receiving specialist is another experienced warehouse worker. These individuals help pick and pack orders, as well as receive shipments. They’re also required to perform some managerial duties as well, such as sequencing orders, checking inventory, controlling quality, and tracking orders.

→ Find Open Receiving Jobs

7. General Labor

General laborers in a warehouse can have a couple of different roles and responsibilities. These positions are diverse - for example, you may be taking care of janitorial or maintenance tasks like cleaning and organizing. You may also be asked to assist with rearranging and moving boxes, skids, and tubs. Most of these positions require little prior experience, which make them ideal for new workers.

→ Find Open Warehouse General Labor Jobs

There are many moving pieces in a warehouse, and they all are important to keeping business strong and stable. From a general laborer to a warehouse manager and everything in between, warehouse positions are all equally important.

Looking for a new position within a warehouse? Apply Today!

Strom Engineering is a national staffing and recruitment agency, with a particular focus on manufacturing, engineering, assembly, and other trade positions. We match skilled candidates to temporary or project staffing positions. Learn more about how it works and check out our case studies for more information.

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