What does a warehouse worker do?
Warehouse workers assist in managing the movement and storage of stock and maintaining an organised warehouse or distribution centre. They process inbound and outbound goods and operate machinery, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, to retrieve and move items. Warehouse workers are employed in a wide variety of industries. They often work in the distribution centres of large retail and wholesale companies in sectors such as clothing and footwear, consumer goods, electronics and food. They also work for manufacturing companies in their warehouses, where the raw materials needed for production are stored. These could be food and beverage companies, carmakers or medical and pharmaceutical companies.
Warehouse worker skills and qualifications
To succeed in the role, a warehouse worker must have a range of prerequisite skills and qualifications, including:
- organisational skills
- good written and verbal communication skills
- ability to interpret and process warehouse documentation, such as shipping invoices, picking lists and bills of lading
- ability to lift, move, load and unload heavy items
- good numerical skills
- attention to detail
- ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision and guidance
- willingness to work shifts and be flexible with work hours.
Warehouse worker experience requirements
Work experience requirements vary depending on the role, but generally, previous experience in a warehouse worker role is not required. In most cases, employers provide comprehensive on-the-job training. However, some employers require candidates to have prior experience working in warehouses or in a fast-paced logistics role, for example, experience handling high volumes of stock and knowledge of warehouse management systems. Employers may also require candidates to have forklift driving experience.
Warehouse worker education and training requirements
Most employers expect warehouse worker candidates to have completed high school to at least year 10. Warehouse workers do not generally need to have formal training or qualifications. Strong candidates may hold a vocational qualification, such as a Certificate III in Warehousing Operations, in which they will have acquired the skills and knowledge to work in a broad range of warehouse and logistics environments. Holding a current forklift licence is a requirement for many warehouse worker roles. People wishing to obtain this licence must complete a forklift driving short course.
Warehouse worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a warehouse worker in Australia is $28.86 per hour. This figure may vary depending on various factors, including experience, geographic location and the company the employee works for.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Warehouse worker job description FAQs
What qualities make a good warehouse worker?
A good warehouse worker is reliable, flexible and punctual. They must also have good computer literacy and technology skills and be confident using warehouse management technology, which is increasingly being used to automate processes in modern warehouses. These include barcode scanners, RFID (radio frequency identification) readers and ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems. A good warehouse worker is skilled in the use of warehousing equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and can work with speed and accuracy. Another important skill is the ability to work within a team environment, as warehouse workers must regularly liaise with a range of other workers, such as delivery drivers, hauliers and couriers.
What should you look for in a warehouse worker resume?
A good warehouse worker resume should reflect the skills and attributes listed in your job description. Strong candidates should be able to demonstrate previous experience in a warehouse or fast-paced logistics environment. If driving a forklift is a requirement of the role, an ideal candidate should show they have the necessary forklift licence as well as experience operating forklifts in warehouse settings. If the candidate does not have previous warehouse experience, look out for experience that shows the candidate has transferrable skills. For example, someone who has worked in the construction industry might have highly valuable experience operating heavy machinery, which could be applied to forklift driving.
Who does a warehouse worker report to?
A warehouse worker reports to their direct superior, who may be a warehouse manager, foreman, team leader or shift supervisor, depending on the structure of the workplace.
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