Warehouse Associate

About the Role

The Warehouse Associate is a universal distribution center position responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of product through both inbound (receiving) and outbound (shipping) operations. This is a cross-functional role where associates will be trained and held accountable for performance in both departments. Associates may be reassigned between inbound and outbound functions based on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and Verify Inbound Shipments:
• Unload incoming trucks and containers.
• Inspect product for visible damage, shortages, or overages.
• Verify quantities, SKUs, and condition against purchase orders, packing lists, and bills of lading.
• Report and document any discrepancies to the supervisor before product is put away.
• Pick, Pack, and Stage Outbound Orders:
• Accurately pick orders using pick tickets, RF scanners, or WMS direction.
• Pack and stage product by route, customer, or delivery sequence.
• Verify SKU, quantity, and condition prior to staging.
• Ensure all orders meet company quality and accuracy standards before release for loading.
• Perform Inventory Control Activities:
• Conduct cycle counts, location audits, and stock rotation (FIFO/LIFO as required).
• Identify and report inventory discrepancies, mislocated product, and damaged goods.
• Assist with physical inventory and inventory adjustments as directed.
• Sort, Label, and Organize Product:
• Sort and label inbound and outbound products to maintain accurate location assignments.
• Keep aisles, racks, and staging lanes organized and clearly marked.
• Maintain an efficient warehouse layout that supports productivity and on-time order flow.
• Prepare Shipments for Delivery:
• Shrink-wrap, pad-wrap, blanket-wrap, and otherwise protect product to prevent transit damage.
• Apply shipping labels, route tags, customer paperwork, and any documentation needed to clearly distinguish product, customer, and destination differences.
• Load and Unload Trucks Safely:
• Load and unload company trucks, common carriers, and customer pickups using approved equipment, lifting techniques, and load-securement methods.
• Ensure trailers are loaded in proper stop sequence.
• Verify all loads against manifests prior to dispatch.
• Operate Material-Handling Equipment:
• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, order pickers, walkies, and other material-handling equipment in accordance with OSHA standards and company certification requirements.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and report any equipment defects or safety concerns immediately.
• Maintain Accurate System Records:
• Use the Warehouse Management System (WMS), handheld scanners, and any related applications to record receipts, putaways, picks, transfers, loads, and inventory adjustments in real time.
• Ensure all transactions are completed accurately and promptly to maintain inventory integrity.
• Maintain a Clean, Safe, and Organized Work Area:
• Follow 5S, housekeeping, and company cleanliness standards in all assigned work zones.
• Keep floors, dock doors, and staging areas free of debris, spills, and trip hazards.
• Properly dispose of packaging materials, banding, and trash throughout the shift.
• Comply with Safety Policies and Support Operational Needs:
• Follow all company safety rules, OSHA requirements, and PPE guidelines at all times.
• Report all injuries, near-misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Assist with special projects, inventory adjustments, returns processing, prep and assembly, and any other operational tasks assigned by leadership, including reassignment between inbound and outbound functions as business needs require.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; equivalent warehouse experience accepted.
• Prior warehouse, distribution, or material-handling experience preferred but not required; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions, including pick tickets, safety procedures, and supervisor direction.
• Basic math skills required for counting, verifying quantities, and reconciling inventory.
• Ability to operate, or be trained and certified to operate, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.
• Comfortable using handheld scanners, RF devices, and basic warehouse management software.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality; ability to work overtime, weekends, and flex schedules as business needs require.

Physical And Work Environment Requirements

• Physical Demands: Able to lift and maneuver up to 75 lbs. regularly; team-lift or mechanical aid for furniture and freight more than 75 lbs.; standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching throughout entire shift; exposure to non-climate-controlled warehouse environment.
• Work Environment: Distribution Center / Warehouse.
• Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends, Evenings, and Holidays as required.