What Does a Warehouse Clerk Do?

A warehouse clerk is a vital role in any warehouse. They’re responsible for managing and supervising the goods within a warehouse. If you’re interested in this position - and other warehousing roles - read on to discover what a warehouse clerk does and how to find related jobs.

What Does a Warehouse Clerk Do?

A warehouse clerk’s primary job is to make sure that everything and everyone in the warehouse is working as it should. In practice, this includes:

• Keeping and updating inventory records
• Verifying order information
• Placing labels and/or barcodes on packages
• Ensuring warehouse items are in the correct location
• Tracking items as they leave the warehouse, and updating shipping information
• Receiving and overseeing returns
• Reporting discrepancies, errors and other important information to relevant managers

This role is perfect for people who are highly organized and can multi-task effectively.

What Experience is Required to be a Warehouse Clerk?

Most warehouse clerk roles will require only a high school diploma or GED, although some may waive that requirement for the right candidate. The most important qualification for this job is having the right skills. Organizational and communication skills are vital. Because warehouse clerks need to communicate and collaborate with multiple team members, being fluent in multiple languages (such as both English and Spanish) can be a huge advantage.

Additionally, a warehouse clerk will need to use logistics software to manage, update and track inventory. Most jobs will want prior experience with either their preferred software or other logistics software. Some jobs may provide on-the-job training, but they’ll want to work with a candidate who has prior experience learning and using new software.

Related Content: Can You Get a Warehouse Job Without Experience?

Warehouse Clerk vs. Other Warehousing Jobs

A warehouse clerk is just one of several key roles within a warehouse. While some of their duties may overlap, there are other important roles that have different responsibilities:

• Picker Packer - A picker packer finds products in a warehouse and packs them into packaging for shipment.
• Material Handler -  A material handler moves materials around the warehouse - either by hand, or using machines.
• Assembler - An assembler is a person who puts together pieces following a guideline - typically a blueprint, instructional manual or schematics.

Related Content: What Kind of Work Can You Get in a Warehouse?

Finding a Warehouse Clerk Job

Interested in becoming a warehouse clerk? There are many positions available, as well as other warehousing positions. Strom hires seasonal, temporary, and long-term employees for top companies in manufacturing. 

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.