Warehouse Associate / Picker Job Description Template

-

Receive and inspect shipments: Accept incoming stock deliveries and verify the shipment's contents against purchase orders, checking item counts for accuracy and inspecting for any damage or discrepancies . Document any issues (shortages or damaged goods) and inform the supervisor.

-

Pick orders from inventory: Use order lists or digital pick tickets to locate and retrieve the correct items from shelves or bins for each customer order

. This includes identifying items by SKU/ product code and quantity, then physically pulling them from storage locations (often using step ladders or moving smaller carts/pallets of goods as needed).

-

Pack and label shipments: Once items are picked, securely pack them in boxes or pallets and label each package with the correct shipping label or packing slip

. Ensure the order is packed according to company standards (correct items, counts, and adequate packaging materials) and that labels/barcodes are properly affixed for courier scanning.

-

Update inventory records: Record inventory movements as orders are picked or stock is received. For example, deduct picked quantities from the inventory system and note any backorders Perform regular cycle counts or stock counts to maintain accurate on-hand quantities, and update inventory logs or software to correct any discrepancies

-

Operate equipment safely: Use common warehouse equipment to move and store products. This can include pallet jacks, hand trucks, carts, and, if trained, forklifts to retrieve or put away heavy pallets on racks

. Always follow safety guidelines when using equipment (e.g. wearing a safety vest, using a spotter if needed, and only operating forklifts if certified).

-

Maintain warehouse order and safety: Keep the warehouse clean, organized, and free of hazards. This involves clearing packing materials, sweeping floors, organizing stock in designated locations, and promptly addressing spills or obstructions

. Adhere to all safety protocols such as proper

lifting techniques, wearing required PPE, and obeying hazard signs to ensure a safe working environment for everyone

-

Team communication and coordination: Work closely with colleagues (fellow pickers, packers, loaders, inventory control, etc.) and supervisors to ensure orders are completed and any issues are resolved quickly

. For example, communicate with a packer or shipping clerk if an item is missing or substituted, or notify the supervisor if there's a delay or a stock outage affecting an order

. Collaboration is key in meeting daily shipping targets.

-

General support tasks: Assist with other warehouse operations as needed. This can include loading or unloading delivery trucks, assembling kits or product bundles, labeling shelves or bins, and helping with periodic warehouse projects (re-organizing stock areas, conducting safety drills, etc.). The associate remains flexible to take on various tasks to support the smooth running of the warehouse.

-

Warehouse operations & inventory management knowledge: Understanding of basic warehouse processes (receiving, storage, order fulfillment) and how to keep track of stock levels . Should grasp how items flow from receiving to storage to shipping, and how to use inventory records or databases.

-

Equipment operation: Ability to safely use warehouse tools like pallet jacks and hand trucks; ideally, also able to operate or quickly learn to operate a forklift if required (forklift certification is a plus) Knowing how to handle equipment properly to lift and transport heavy goods is crucial for efficiency and safety.

-

Digital literacy: Basic computer skills for using inventory systems or spreadsheets and communicating via email. Familiarity with warehouse management software (WMS) or scanners/ barcode readers to update inventories and locate items is often expected

. The candidate should be comfortable with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace tools (e.g. Excel/Sheets for inventory logs) and possibly shipping software or handheld scanner devices.

-

Basic math and measurement: Solid basic math skills for counting items, calculating quantities, or simple unit conversions (e.g., understanding dozen packs, weight calculations)

. Can quickly add, subtract or divide to verify order quantities and pallet capacities. Also able to measure or estimate weights and dimensions for shipments if needed.

-

Safety and handling protocols: Knowledge of proper lifting techniques (lift with legs, not back), stacking procedures, and OSHA/basic safety rules in a warehouse (e.g., forklift safety, hazard communication). The associate should know how to handle materials safely (especially heavy or hazardous items) and respond to incidents like spills or accidents following company safety guidelines .

-

Documentation skills: Ability to accurately fill out and read shipping documents, labels, or forms. For example, matching a packing slip to received goods or ensuring a pick list is fully checked off. This includes legible handwriting for any manual logs and careful data entry when updating digital records.

-