Since the pandemic hit, there has been increasing demand for workers in every sector of every industry, but the worker shortage hit the warehouse industry especially hard. The explosion of e-commerce means that warehouse employment is likely to continue to expand, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for reliable work in a growing industry.
Warehouse operations and logistics companies embrace technology, making it an exciting career for people interested in working with new technology and expanding their skillsets. Plus, even the lowest-paid warehousing positions usually provide substantially more than minimum wage.
If you are looking for a job in high demand that does not require extensive education or training and pays unskilled and entry-level workers reasonably well, warehouse work might be right for you. This blog covers warehouse jobs that are most in-demand right now.
General Laborer
Laborers usually handle cleaning, maintenance, and heavy lifting in the warehouse, with some potential inventory control responsibilities, and could be assigned to a variety of other duties as needed. Sometimes, general laborers work on the production lines or measure, weigh, or wrap products before they leave the warehouse for delivery.
Receiving Clerk
A receiving clerk checks in deliveries to the warehouse and enters them into the inventory management system. They are responsible for ensuring the items delivered correspond to the items ordered and that all merchandise arrives undamaged. If there is a discrepancy or damage, they must bring it to the attention of the appropriate supervisory personnel. Once the merchandise is checked in, the receiving clerk arranges for it to be moved to the appropriate section of the warehouse.
Shipping Clerk
A shipping clerk makes sure the correct items are on the correct truck for delivery. They may need excellent organizational skills to ensure that trucks are packed and deployed in the most efficient way possible.
Picker/Packer
In some warehouse operations, the picker and the packer perform separate jobs, while in others, the same person carries out both functions. The picker takes an order and moves around the warehouse gathering the items that the customer(s) ordered. The packer then prepares the items for shipping to the customer, making sure that the package contains the right items, they are protected from damage while shipping, and the address label is correct.
The e-commerce boom greatly increased the need for pickers and packers in warehouses all over the country. When warehouses ship primarily to businesses, a forklift might be necessary to lift a pallet of items and deliver it to the loading dock. However, shipping to consumers usually requires a person to pick individual items from pallets and assemble them in packages for delivery. Selling items to consumers is far more labor-intensive, and many warehouse operators are short on picking and packing staff.
Forklift Operator
As previously mentioned, forklift operators move pallets of materials and other items from one place in the warehouse to another. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations require that forklift operators take a training course and receive certification in forklift operation before using such machinery in a warehouse. Demand is high for forklift operators in the warehousing industry.
Consider Flexible Warehouse Work
Experienced warehouse workers could increase their income and improve their attractiveness on the job market by taking on part-time or temporary warehouse gig work. Many warehouse operations use temporary workers to supplement their regular workforce during peak periods.
Gigs benefit workers because they provide exposure to many different operations with different Warehouse Management Systems. Working with different systems helps workers become more adaptable and develop different skills. Employers get to know the gig workers and may call on them first if a permanent or long-term position becomes available. Gig work also usually pays better than directly working for the employer because the employer does not have to provide benefits to flex workers.
HapiGig is a platform that matches warehouse workers in search of gigs with employers that need temporary help. Consider signing up with HapiGig if you are looking for flexible warehouse work.