- Guest Contributor
- November 10, 2022
The warehouse business is highly seasonal, and certain times of the year bring a sharp increase in the demand for workers. This dynamic presents a valuable opportunity to anyone who’s looking for work. As warehouses go into overdrive, they’re often eager for additional help. With the right strategy, you can make one of these seasonal positions your own.
Before you take a seasonal job at a warehouse, you have to learn a bit about the types of positions that are available. That way, you can choose a job that matches your preferences and skill set. Here are six seasonal warehouse jobs that are worth considering.
Forklift Driver
National Median Wage: $19/hr
Primary Duties
As the job title suggests, a forklift driver’s main task is to operate a hydraulic forklift in the warehouse. The driver will use the forklift to load and unload goods from storage areas, bring materials to a loading dock, and deliver shipments to a train or truck. Forklift drivers are also responsible for organizing the materials on the pallets as they deliver them.
Communication is a big part of the job as every movement within the warehouse is closely coordinated. Many warehouse managers also expect forklift drivers to have training or experience. If you currently have neither, you can bolster your resume by earning an online certification in forklift operation.
Stock Associate
National Median Wage: $16/hr
Primary Duties
Stock associates keep the warehouse running smoothly by labeling, storing, and preparing goods for pickup or delivery. When inventory first comes to the warehouse, stock associates are the ones to make sure it’s stored in its proper place. When it’s time for an order to go out, these same associates compile the necessary goods and get them labeled and organized. With so many tasks to keep track of, this position requires excellent time management and a knack for multitasking.
Most warehouses consider stock associates to be an entry-level position, and the demand for workers increases quickly during a busy season. This makes the job perfect for anyone looking to break into the warehouse industry.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
National Median Wage: $18/hr
Primary Duties
Shipping and receiving clerks are the people responsible for managing the constant flow of goods and materials coursing through the warehouse. By its very nature, a warehouse is bound to see a rapid turnover of inventory. This dynamic only accelerates during busy seasons – especially for warehouses related to e-commerce. As inventory arrives, shipping and receiving clerks have to make note of what’s included and upload it all to the proper digital systems. Then, as goods go out in the form of deliveries, these same clerks must record the outflow.
Shipping and receiving clerks work tirelessly to keep everything logged in the warehouse’s internal systems. If you’re efficient, hard-working, and organized by nature, then this could be the warehouse position for you.
Truck Loader
National Median Wage: $18/hr
Primary Duties
Truck loaders do much of the heavy lifting associated with the warehouse industry, helping unload shipments as they arrive and load deliveries as they go out. Working with the shipping and receiving team, they help make sure arriving goods are placed in the proper storage areas. Then, when it’s time for an outgoing delivery, then bring the materials into the loading dock, shipping container, or truck.
Working as a truck loader could be a perfect option for anyone looking to flex their mental and physical muscles at the same time. Not only will you have to move the materials, but you might also help with the organizational aspects of storing the goods.
Driver
National Median Wage: $16/hr
Primary Duties
Drivers pick up and deliver the goods that flow in and out of the warehouse. They work closely with other members of the staff to make the right pickups and deliveries. A tight schedule is also typical, so time-management skills are key.
You’ll need a clean driving record to work as a driver, as well as a capacity for self-motivation. Drivers spend most of their time off the premises, and they need to rely on their own sense of discipline to stay on task and get the job done.
Assembly Technician
National Median Wage: $19/hr
Primary Duties
An assembly technician works with teammates on an assembly line to put products or components together. While this position isn’t available in every warehouse, it’s an extremely important part of the industry – especially in facilities related to computers, automobiles, and airplanes.
Assembly technicians follow blueprints and guides to effectively construct complex goods and materials. If you’re both hardworking and meticulous, then this just might be your calling.
