What does a warehouse associate do?

Warehouse associates are responsible for a wide range of tasks to help ensure efficient overall operations of a company or business. Work assignments and tasks can change on a daily basis based on the immediate needs of the company but typically include maintaining daily inventory logs, organizing and inspecting inventory and filling customer orders.

Warehouse associates who are certified to operate forklifts may also be responsible for moving shipments throughout the warehouse via a forklift. Others may assist with the heavy lifting of boxes and inventory weighing up to 75 pounds, and many warehouse associates are tasked with routine cleaning duties.

Warehouse associate skills and qualifications

Warehouse associates are typically required to perform a wide range of tasks on any given workday. While many associates are hired as entry-level employees, applicants should still possess certain prerequisite skills to ensure they’re qualified to meet the specifications of your position. Essential skills and qualifications include:

• Good communication skills for interacting and coordinating with coworkers
• Willingness to work as a team player
• Problem-solving skills to effectively handle urgent issues
• Flexibility to perform varied tasks
• Physical stamina and strength to tolerate heavy lifting and standing for extended periods of time
• Organizational skills when assembling packages and shipments
• Basic math and computer literacy skills for creating invoices and other financial documents

Warehouse associate experience requirements

In some cases, warehouse associates are hired as entry-level employees and provided with on-the-job training, while other employers prefer candidates with proven warehouse experience. Specific requirements include the ability to operate a pallet jack, forklift and other warehouse equipment. Experience with invoicing and inventory software and the ability to lift heavy objects are also important.

For warehouses that utilize software to maintain inventory, past data entry experience may be a necessary requirement. A valid driver’s license is also a common requirement for all warehouse associates, and customer service experience is often a prerequisite for warehouse associates required to communicate with vendors and customers.

Warehouse associate education and training requirements

The minimum education requirement for a warehouse associate is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Since many warehouse positions are open to entry-level applicants, past training is not usually required. However, on-the-job training is usually provided for both entry-level and experienced workers so they can learn the specific operating procedures of the company.

For non-entry-level positions in which past experience is preferred, required certifications and licenses may include forklift certifications and commercial drivers’ licenses to operate delivery trucks. Certain employers may also require specialty certifications obtained through the International Warehouse Logistics Association to help workers advance in their warehouse associate careers.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this warehouse associate job description isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, take a look at some of these similar positions:

• Warehouse manager
• Warehouse worker
• Forklift operator

Warehouse associate job description FAQs

Who does a warehouse associate report to?

Warehouse associates generally report to warehouse managers or supervisors. Management personnel can assist associates with schedules, timecards and any issues that may arise during the employee’s shift.

Are warehouse associates required to wear safety gear?

Warehouse associates are required to wear personal safety equipment, depending on the type of work performed. Common safety gear worn by warehouse associates includes eyewear to protect eyes from debris and chemicals, helmets to provide protection from impact and face shields for protection against airborne germs and viruses. Workers may also be required to wear knee pads and stand on ergonomic mats to reduce body strain.

Do warehouse associates have different responsibilities in different industries?

Many industries utilize warehouses, and warehouse operations can differ depending on the inventory and products that warehouse associates are working with. For example, a warehouse associate working in a frozen food warehouse may be required to follow stringent food safety and temperature protocols, while an associate working at an electronics warehouse may be required to follow strict temperature protocols.