Distribution centers and warehouses are the bridge linking manufacturers to businesses and consumers. Every warehouse is a complex system of organized storage and distribution, employing hundreds of people in many different roles with varying responsibilities and skill sets.If you’re looking for a warehouse job, it’s helpful to know what job ads mean when they ask for a warehouse worker, a parcel handler, or an inventory clerk. In this article, we explore some of the most commonly used warehouse job terms. Dot Foods is hiring for many of these positions. If you’re looking to start or continue your warehouse career, take a look at our warehouse job openings.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers (sometimes known as material handlers or order selectors) carry out the primary duties of a warehouse. It is a general term that covers any worker involved in inventory management, storing and moving products, and preparing orders. They operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other equipment to transport items from shipping and receiving docks to storage areas, assemble orders on pallets, and load or unload trucks. Warehouse workers need to be skilled equipment operators. Dot Foods provides comprehensive training on all equipment required for material handling in our warehouses.A warehouse worker might perform the following tasks in a typical shift:Unloading trucksChecking and inspecting shipmentsMoving inventory around the warehouseGathering products to build ordersPreparing orders for shipmentLoading outbound trucksThe work is hands-on and physically demanding, but entry-level workers receive warehouse training, so they don’t need experience to apply.
Loader/Unloader
As their name implies, loaders manually load and unload materials and products from trucks, shipping containers, and other vehicles. The role can involve repetitive lifting, carrying, and stacking of heavy objects like pallets, boxes, and goods. Loaders need physical stamina and an understanding of safe lifting techniques.
Receiver
Receivers check-in and verify incoming deliveries at the receiving dock. They inspect shipments for damage and make sure the delivery includes everything on the order, recording shortages, overages, and damaged goods. Receivers may also sort goods and transport them to storage areas. The job requires attention to detail, organization, and inventory skills. Computer literacy is also important for logging incoming items to the warehouse management system.
Parcel Handler
Parcel handlers, also called package handlers, prepare outbound orders for shipping. These are usually smaller orders dispatched directly to consumers rather than large pallet-based orders for businesses. They assemble and pack orders, affix mailing labels and invoices, and may load packages into trucks. Learn more about being a Dot Foods parcel handler.
Stocker
Stockers place incoming inventory into storage areas and maintain the organization of the warehouse. They identify appropriate storage areas and locations for different items to make the best use of space. Stocker responsibilities also include inspecting goods for damage, rotating older stock, and moving inventory with pallet jacks or other equipment.
Inventory Specialist
Inventory specialists organize and supervise inventory control for warehouses. Using specialized warehouse management software, they track stock levels, document the locations of items within the warehouse layout, record inventory transactions, and manage audits.
Warehouse Clerks
Documentation, data entry, and information management are essential to the smooth functioning of warehouse operations. Warehouse clerks perform administrative duties, including processing invoices and shipping documents, coordinating returns and exchanges of defective or damaged goods, managing files and inventory records, data entry, and customer service.Clerks often specialize in a specific department or task. For example, operations clerks manage shipping and replenishment schedules, track inventory levels, handle billing and payment paperwork, and monitor productivity metrics. In contrast, inventory control clerks maintain detailed inventory records, assist with cycle counts and audits, report discrepancies, and suggest updates to improve inventory accuracy.
Warehouse Technicians
Warehouse technicians look after the equipment and buildings warehouse workers rely on to do their jobs. They play an essential role in warehouse safety, efficiency, and productivity. There are many different technician jobs in each warehouse, including:Maintenance technicians perform preventative maintenance and repairs on warehouse vehicles, equipment, and facilities.Sanitation technicians ensure the warehouse and its facilities meet health, safety, and sanitation standards. They handle pest control, hazardous waste procedures, and cleaning equipment and facilities.Refrigeration technicians monitor and maintain refrigeration equipment in chilled and frozen warehouses.
Apply for Warehouse Jobs at Dot Foods
Dot Foods operates distribution centers across North America with ambient, refrigerated, and frozen warehouses. We employ over 4000 people in warehouse, administrative, and managerial roles and are hiring for warehouse jobs right now. To join the Dot Foods team, check out our latest warehouse job vacancies and apply today.