How to write a warehouse picker job description

In a field like warehousing, a mis-hire can have serious consequences. For example, an employee with little regard for rules can be a liability. Not only do they risk their safety and that of their colleagues, but they also expose the company to potential legal risk.

A well-written warehouse picker job description is the foundation of a successful hire. It can help you attract applicants who understand the importance of safety and can excel in an environment where every minute counts.

In this guide, we show you how to write an effective warehouse picker job description. We share key skills to include, cover common mistakes to avoid, and even include a free template to get you started.

What is a warehouse picker?

Warehouse pickers are responsible for finding, picking, and packing goods for dispatch. They work in various locations, including e-commerce warehouses, wholesalers, and cold storage warehouses. 

It’s a physically demanding role that involves bending, lifting, and carrying products. The level of fitness varies depending on the type of warehouse, but physical capability is important for ensuring the timely processing of orders. 

Key skills to look for in warehouse pickers

Effective warehouse pickers possess various hard and soft skills, detailed below.

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure a secure work environment and reduce accidents

• Physical strength and endurance, as the role involves heavy lifting and lots of movement 

• Familiarity with technology such as barcode scanners and handheld devices 

• Attention to detail to prevent errors in orders

• Communication skills, which ensure pickers can share information with coworkers, supervisors, and even customers clearly and effectively

• Collaboration skills, as warehouse pickers typically work in teams

• Planning skills, which help pickers organize their tasks and ensure they work productively 

• Time management skills, which are vital for ensuring timely deliveries

• Ability to operate warehouse machinery such as forklifts and pallet jacks

How to write an effective warehouse picker job description 

Remember these three points to ensure your warehouse picker job description draws in qualified applicants.

Be specific about the role and picking methods involved

Different warehouse picker roles require different skills, so ensure you’re clear about the type of warehouse you’re hiring pickers for and the picking methods involved. 

Clarify your warehouse type (e.g., cold storage or e-commerce warehouse), the type of products your new hire will work with (such as electronics or building materials), the order fulfillment process (either single-item or bulk orders), and your picking methods (like batch or zone picking).

This level of specificity gives prospective applicants a clear idea of what goes into the role and whether they’re suitable for it.

Focus on skills over education

Take a skills-based approach to your job description by emphasizing the abilities your ideal candidate will possess rather than the academic qualifications they’ll have.

Clearly outline essential skills like accurate order picking and packing, knowledge of health and safety regulations, effective communication, and the ability to operate warehouse equipment. You can mark formal qualifications as “preferred” rather than “required.”

Emphasize the importance of collaboration

Warehouse pickers must work well with their colleagues to ensure orders are processed on time and everyone follows safety procedures effectively. So, in your job description, don’t forget to underscore the need for excellent collaboration skills. Otherwise, you risk mis-hiring a candidate who ticks all the other boxes but can’t work well with others, stalling operations and potentially damaging your company’s reputation.

Warehouse picker job description template

Use the template below to get started on your job description quickly. Since a warehouse picker’s duties are specific to their employer, tailor the template to your company’s needs and requirements.

Company introduction

Give an overview of your company and its values, mission, and objectives. Also, describe how warehouse pickers contribute to company success, and highlight your company’s key achievements.

Benefits of working with [your company]

Provide information about employee benefits like generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and health insurance coverage. This is a good place to highlight your company culture, too.

Warehouse picker job brief

[Company name]

Job title: [For example, E-commerce Warehouse Picker, Cold Storage Warehouse Picker, or Pallet Warehouse Picker]

Reports to: [For instance, Warehouse Supervisor or Warehouse Manager]

Position type: [E.g., Full-time, part-time, contract]

[Salary and benefits details]

Warehouse picker responsibilities

• Correctly pick, package, label, and assemble orders for shipment. 

• Store picked items properly, restock shelves, and correctly dispose of discarded packing materials. 

• Perform product quality assurance checks, reporting any damaged or missing products to your manager. 

• Adhere to health and safety regulations, including following proper procedures when handling hazardous materials and operating equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts.

• Use handheld devices and barcode scanners when picking and packing orders and tracking inventory.

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with coworkers to ensure timely order processing.

Qualifications

• Warehouse picking experience

• Ability to safely lift [20] lbs

• Ability to walk, bend, and remain on feet throughout each shift

• Licenses or prior training to operate machinery 

3 things to avoid when writing a job description for warehouse pickers

Steer clear of the following pitfalls when crafting your warehouse picker job description. 

1. Using gendered language

While it’s true that men outnumber women nearly two to one in the warehousing and storage industry, it’s vital to maintain a gender-neutral, inclusive tone in your job description. 

To attract a diverse range of applicants, use neutral language like “the ideal candidate” instead of “he,” and avoid words and phrases that could imply you’re seeking a candidate of a specific gender for the role – like “burly” or “assertive.”

2. Underplaying the physical demands of the role

Being a warehouse picker is an active job, as they must move quickly and be physically active throughout their shift. So, be transparent about the level of physical fitness required for the role. 

In your job description, note how many pounds the ideal candidate will need to lift and carry regularly. You should also note any physical demands specific to your warehouse, like the ability to stand for long periods. This will help prospective applicants know what’s expected of them and evaluate their physical suitability for the role before applying.

3. Not mentioning safety

Adhering to federal, state, and company ‌regulations is crucial in warehousing, as it keeps workers safe and companies compliant.

In your job description, emphasize the need to follow safety protocols and all relevant regulations. Otherwise, you risk attracting applicants who don’t prioritize safety and discouraging applications from warehouse pickers who do. 

Next steps: Attracting and assessing warehouse picker candidates

Now that you’ve written a great job description, you can post your open role on job boards, social media platforms, and other sites. Then, you can start reviewing applications. However, traditional screening methods can be time-consuming. Taking a skills-based approach reduces the workload and provides better insight into applicants’ suitability for your position.

TestGorilla’s pre-employment tests are the perfect tool for evaluating your warehouse picker applicants and identifying top candidates. The platform offers a library of more than 300 expert-created tests, and you can build custom assessments by combining up to five tests. 

Consider using the following tests to assess your warehouse picker applicants:

• TestGorilla’s Warehouse picker test, which measures test-takers’ skills in every step of the pickup process – from planning to post-pickup activities 

• Situational judgment tests that evaluate candidates’ communication, time management, and business judgment skills

• Personality tests – including the Enneagram, DISC, and Big 5 (OCEAN) tests – that reveal applicants’ behavioral traits, motivations, and more

• The Culture add test, which helps you see what each applicant can contribute to your company culture

You can also add custom questions to assessments. Applicants can complete assessments from their mobile devices, and TestGorilla will send you insightful, easy-to-understand results when all assessments are complete. 

FAQs

Should I include salary details in my warehouse picker job description?

Some states require job descriptions to include salary information, so you may have a legal obligation to do so. That said, it’s a good idea to include salary details no matter what – especially if you offer competitive compensation, which can attract top talent and give you an edge over other employers.

How can I test a warehouse picker's skills?

The best way to assess warehouse pickers’ skills is by using pre-employment skills tests – like the ones from TestGorilla. The platform offers dedicated warehouse picker tests that evaluate applicants' role-specific skills, personality traits, motivations, soft skills, and more.

Find the best warehouse pickers with TestGorilla

A well-crafted warehouse picker job description will help you attract applicants who can meet the role’s requirements and mesh well with your company culture. However, a job description will only get you so far. You must also have a reliable way to screen applicants and select your top candidates. 

TestGorilla is the ideal solution for this. With an extensive library that includes various tests designed for warehouse pickers,  the platform makes assessing your applicants’ skills and traits easy. You’ll get a comprehensive view of each applicant so you can select the most qualified individuals and, eventually, make your perfect hire.

Begin your TestGorilla journey today by taking a product tour, requesting a live demo, or signing up for a free account.