What Does a Warehouse Associate Do?

So you’re interested in working at a warehouse. Maybe you’ve seen a lot of “warehouse associate” job listings, but you’re not sure what that means. You want to do a little research before applying for a job.

Good news: You’re in the right place! Here at LG Resources, we regularly hire warehouse associates, so we can tell you all about the role.

The Typical Job Responsibilities of a Warehouse Associate

Warehouse associate is a common job title at many warehouses. It can mean a lot of different things, but usually it’s an entry-level or lower-level position. That means you can usually get this type of job with little to no warehouse experience.

Different employers will give you different responsibilities, but most warehouse associate roles will involve some or all of the tasks below:

• Unloading. You will remove stock from delivery vehicles, unpack it, check over the materials, and bring it to the designated place in the warehouse facility.
• Loading. You will pack up finished products and move them into vehicles so they can be shipped.
• Order processing and picking. You will pick items from the warehouse stock and prepare them for shipping.
• Tracking. You will update records as items move in and out of the warehouse. You may also be asked to count or audit inventory.

Warehouse associate jobs often involve using tools like pallet jacks or hand trucks. Your employer should provide training on how to use these tools. Your employer should also teach you about label-reading and workplace safety protocols.

Warehouse associates usually don’t drive forklifts, but you may occasionally see jobs with this title that ask for candidates who are willing to get a forklift certification. To become certified, you must complete formal coursework on forklift safety. Your employer may be willing to pay for this training. Once you are certified, you will be able to qualify for higher-paying forklift operator roles.

Should You Get a Warehouse Associate Job?

Warehousing isn’t for everyone. To qualify for a warehouse associate job, you will typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• The ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• The ability to complete paperwork such as inventory records accurately.
• The ability to pass a drug screening and background check.
• Good communication skills, including written and verbal communication.
• Basic math skills.

Warehouse employers prefer candidates who are reliable and detail-oriented. They want someone who will show up on time, keep accurate stock records, and follow their procedures. To do the job well, you will need to complete mundane, repetitive tasks with consistent accuracy.

You’re probably wondering about pay. In Utah, the average warehouse associate makes $18.02 per hour, according to Indeed. However, your pay can vary quite a bit depending on your experience, the employer, and the location. It’s not uncommon to see pay rates starting around $14.58 or going up to more than $22 per hour.

A warehouse associate job can be a good starting point for your career. Many employers promote warehouse associates into other, higher-paying roles and provide training on more specialized skills.

Looking For a Warehouse Associate Job in Utah?

LG Resources often hires people for warehouse associate roles. We are a staffing agency that partners with warehouse employers throughout Utah, especially in the Salt Lake area and Davis, Weber, and Utah Counties. We hire for temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent positions in many different industries.

At LG, we love matching hardworking people with jobs that match their skills. Apply with us today to see our current warehouse job opportunities.