Example Warehouse Associate Job Description (2022)

a picture of a Warehouse Associate and business professional ready for an interview

Free warehouse associate job description. A warehouse associate is a professional found in shipping logistics, warehousing, or a distribution center. This professional is responsible for a wide range of receiving and processing duties. The warehouse associate is responsible for processing the incoming stock and materials. And filling orders from inventory, packaging and preparing orders for shipment, and retrieving stock from inventory.

A warehouse associate is sometimes referred to as a warehouse worker or material handler.

warehouse associate job description

Warehouse Associate Job Description Sample

Our warehouse is seeking a warehouse associate to assist with our warehouse operations. The warehouse worker will assist with filling customer orders, unloading shipping containers or trucks, oversee inventory control and general management. As well as retrieve stock for a stock clerk and other warehouse duties. Our ideal candidate is able to operate a hand truck, pallet jack, and other heavy machinery to assist with the stock retrieval process.

Warehouse Associate Duties and Responsibilities

Sample job duties and warehouse associate responsibilities:

  • Work closely with other warehouse associates, the warehouse supervisor, and the warehouse manager to oversee general warehouse operations and follow safety procedures.
  • Operate a forklift, pallet jack, and other heavy machinery to retrieve merchandise or product from the warehouse.
  • Coordinate with other warehouse employees to fulfill customer orders, unload shipments, prepare products and merchandise for shipping, and more.
  • Ensure a smooth warehouse operation and safe warehouse environment by following all operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Operate warehouse equipment as needed.
  • Unload pallets from shipping containers and place them in their designated areas.
  • Take responsibility for the safety of the warehouse team at all times.
  • Review an incoming order, process the order, pick the order from stock, and prepare for shipping.

Warehouse Associate Requirements

Qualified candidates should have the following:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous work experience in a warehouse position preferred.
  • Previous position operating material handling equipment preferred.
  • High degree of organizational skills preferred.
  • (Optional) Commercial driver's license.
  • Attention to detail. Communication skills. Inventory management skills. Time management skills.

Warehouse Associate Salary

According to Salary.com, a warehouse associate earns $32,858 per year, on average. With the top percentile of workers earning $41,864 per year, on average. And an entry-level worker earning $23,809 per year, on average.

Warehouse Associate Skills

Top candidates in the warehouse associate field have the following skills. Skills provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Customer-service skills. Hand laborers and material movers who work with the public. Such as grocery clerks or car wash attendants, must be pleasant and courteous to customers.
  • Hand-eye coordination. Most hand laborers and material movers use their arms and hands to manipulate objects or move objects into specific positions.
  • Listening skills. Hand laborers and material movers follow instructions that a supervisor gives them.
  • Physical stamina. Hand laborers and material movers need the endurance to perform strenuous tasks, such as moving or cleaning objects, throughout the day.
  • Physical strength. Some hand laborers and material movers must be able to lift and carry heavy objects.

Warehouse Associate Certifications and Training

Many warehouse associate positions require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and the ability to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.

Requiring a commercial driver's license is optional for the employer based on their needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says "material collectors who drive trucks that exceed a certain capacity. Such as vehicles with the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo exceeding 26,000 pounds. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Obtaining a CDL requires passing written, skill, and vision tests."

How to Write a Warehouse Associate Job Description

A job description should contain the following elements and sections to writing a great job description.

A job title

Have a descriptive, yet specific job title. Avoid job titles that are not "industry standard." For example, a job title like "Rockstar Ninja" might sound neat and interesting, but can deter job applicants. It deters job applicants because each applicant might not feel "qualified" for that role.

A job brief

The job brief is referred to as the job description. It is a four to five sentence long objective for the job title in the business. It should describe what "success" looks like to the employer. Providing the candidate with the ability to write a targeted cover letter and resume for the role.

Duties and responsibilities

Having duties and responsibilities as part of the job description can assist the job applicant in feeling "qualified" for the position. A candidate can more easily compare previous work experience and be certain they are a "good fit" for the role.

Qualifications and abilities

This includes degrees, licenses, certifications, community involvement, or other requirements. Having these requirements listed ensures that only qualified candidates apply for the open position.

Qualifications might include:

  • Degree or equivalent education experience.
  • Years of experience in a related field.
  • Specialized training or certifications.
  • Active affiliations.
  • Community involvement.
  • Other applicable non-work related activities.

(Optional) Work environment

For warehouse and warehouse associate jobs, it may require the employer to list work environment variables. For example, lifting heavy boxes (25lb's or greater). Work environment characteristics are responsible for the work environment variables that the job holder will encounter. This includes "long working hours" or "overnight shifts." Be descriptive about the work environment and warehouse environment.

Physical demands of a role can be required for a position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions in the work environment.

Warehouse Associate Job Boards

An employer posting a warehouse job should consider these top job boards for warehouse workers and warehouse associates:

Posting an available warehouse job in local communities can be highly effective for job seekers and employers. Most warehouse associate positions are filled in local geographic areas. Post the available job opening and the job description on a local community Facebook page, community center page, or another local community website.

Warehouse Associate Resources

Those looking to advance themselves in the warehouse associate job title. Or employers looking to place warehouse positions may want to consider the following resources. These resources can provide helpful insight into creating an ideal workplace. And understanding the role with clarity, and ensuring a healthy work relationship between employee and employer:

Warehouse Associate Job Description

Download the free warehouse associate job description PDF template. And use the sample warehouse associate job description provided to make an efficient job posting for your company. For more information please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


warehouse associate job decription free template and download

Warehouse Associate Job Description Template

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author: patrick algrim
About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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