What Does a Warehouse Assistant Do?

Warehouse assistants are responsible for moving inventory in a warehouse or storage facility. They commonly use forklifts, pallet jacks, and other industrial equipment to move boxes, crates, and other materials from one location to another.

Warehouse assistants may also be responsible for performing other tasks related to keeping the warehouse organized and clean. This might include activities like organizing incoming shipments, cleaning up spills or debris on the floor, etc.

Warehouse Assistant Job Duties

Warehouse assistants have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Stocking shelves with products as directed by supervisors or managers
• Ensuring that all warehouse operations run smoothly by communicating with other staff members
• Communicating with suppliers to arrange shipment of new inventory into the warehouse
• Performing basic bookkeeping tasks such as maintaining inventory records and preparing reports
• Maintaining the organization of warehouse shelves to ensure that items are placed in accordance with company standards
• Providing customer service such as answering questions about products or helping them locate specific items
• Organizing and maintaining warehouse inventory records such as item location, quantity, condition, price, etc.
• Loading and unloading trucks with inventory items or materials used for productions such as film, music, or theater
• Communicating with clients about their orders, processing payments, and shipping goods to them

Warehouse Assistant Salary & Outlook

Warehouse assistant salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also receive benefits, such as health insurance, 401k contributions, and paid vacation days.

• Median Annual Salary: $32,174 ($15.47/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $43,000 ($20.67/hour)

The employment of warehouse assistants is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be limited by automation, which allows warehouses to process more goods with fewer workers. However, some jobs will still be needed to maintain and repair automated equipment.

Related: Warehouse Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Warehouse Assistant Job Requirements

Warehouse assistants typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: A warehouse assistant position typically requires only a high school diploma or GED. However, some warehouses may require warehouse assistants to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in warehouse management or a related field.

Training & Experience: Most warehouse assistant positions require candidates to have at least six months of experience in a warehouse or shipping setting. On-the-job training is often part of the first few weeks of a new position, where the company’s current warehouse assistant or another experienced employee will show the new hire how to complete daily tasks.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement as a warehouse assistant, but they can show your commitment and dedication to your career.

Warehouse Assistant Skills

Warehouse assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a necessary skill for a warehouse assistant. You should be able to notice small changes in the environment, such as a product that’s moved from one place to another. You should also be able to notice if a product is missing or if there’s a change in the amount of products in a certain area. This skill can help you ensure that the company’s products are safe and secure.

Organization: Organization is a valuable skill for a warehouse assistant because it allows you to complete your tasks efficiently. You can use organization to keep track of inventory, complete orders and keep your workspace tidy.

Communication: Communication skills are important in a warehouse assistant position because you often work with a team. You need to be able to clearly communicate with your coworkers to ensure that you all understand each other and work together efficiently. You also need to be able to communicate with your manager and other employees in the company.

Customer service: Customer service skills can help you interact with customers and provide them with the information they need. You can use customer service skills to help customers find the products they need, answer their questions and resolve any issues they have.

Product knowledge: A warehouse assistant should have a basic understanding of the products they handle. This can help them when they’re stocking shelves or preparing shipments. It can also help them when they’re working with customers, as they can answer questions about the products.

Warehouse Assistant Work Environment

Warehouse assistants work in large warehouses where they help to receive, store, and ship merchandise. They may work in warehouses that are climate-controlled or not, and they may be required to lift heavy boxes and operate machinery. Most warehouse assistants work full time, and some may be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays. The work can be physically demanding, and warehouse assistants may be exposed to dust, noise, and extreme temperatures.

Warehouse Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how warehouse assistants work. Warehouse assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Automation and Robotics

As automation and robotics become more common in warehouses, the need for human labor will decrease. This means that warehouse assistants will need to learn new skills in order to stay competitive.

One of the most important skills that assistants can learn is how to operate robots and other automated systems. This will allow them to work with less supervision and provide a greater value to their employers. In addition, assistants should also focus on developing their customer service skills so that they can provide excellent customer service to customers who are using the automated systems.

The Growth of e-Commerce

The growth of e-commerce is having a major impact on the way that businesses operate. One of the most significant changes is the increased demand for warehouse workers who can help manage and stock inventory.

As e-commerce grows, so too does the need for warehouse assistants who can help keep products organized and ready to be shipped. These professionals need to have strong organizational skills and be able to work quickly and efficiently.

A Focus on Customer Service

Customer service is becoming increasingly important in all industries, as customers are looking for a better experience when they interact with companies.

This trend is especially true in the warehouse industry, where customer service representatives are often the first point of contact for customers. As such, warehouse assistants need to be prepared to provide excellent customer service and be able to handle any questions or concerns that customers may have.

How to Become a Warehouse Assistant

A career as a warehouse assistant can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the logistics industry. As a warehouse assistant, you’ll learn about the different parts of the supply chain and how they work together. You’ll also gain experience working with a variety of tools and machines used in warehousing operations.

As you progress in your career, you may want to specialize in a particular area of warehousing. This could include order picking, shipping and receiving, or inventory management. You could also move up the ladder and become a supervisor or manager.

Advancement Prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement for warehouse assistants. With experience, they may move up to lead positions or supervisory roles. They may also move into other areas of the company, such as operations or customer service. Those with strong computer and organizational skills may move into management positions.

Warehouse Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide our customers with high-quality products and excellent service. We are looking for a warehouse assistant to help us maintain our inventory and keep our warehouse organized. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and able to work independently. He or she will be responsible for receiving and inspecting shipments, organizing inventory, and keeping the warehouse clean and safe. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the receiving, unloading, and stocking of incoming inventory
• Help maintain a clean and organized warehouse by sweeping, dusting, and mopping as needed
• Perform regular cycle counts to ensure accuracy of inventory records
• Assist with picking and packing orders for shipment
• Load and unload trucks as needed
• Use pallet jacks and other material handling equipment to move heavy items
• Help resolve any discrepancies in inventory records
• Notify supervisor of any damaged or missing items
• Keep work area free of clutter and hazards
• Follow all safety protocols
• Adhere to company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years experience in a warehouse environment
• Forklift certification
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Excellent organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business, logistics, or related field
• 3-5 years experience in a warehouse environment
• Experience with inventory management software
• Leadership experience
• Bilingual