Warehouse Associate (1st shift)

Warehouse Associate

Paragon Warehouse Solutions is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in warehousing, distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, inventory management and value-added logistics services. The Warehouse Associate supports daily warehouse operations by receiving, sorting, picking, packing, labeling, preparing and shipping customer products. Because Paragon services multiple customers and product types, associates may perform a variety of duties throughout the warehouse depending on daily business needs. This position requires a strong focus on safety, accuracy, productivity, quality and proper product handling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive incoming products and verify items against shipping and receiving documentation.
• Unload, sort and organize incoming products as assigned.
• Inspect products for visible damage, shortages or discrepancies.
• Sort products according to customer, item number, destination or other requirements.
• Pick customer orders accurately according to order documentation or system instructions.
• Verify item numbers, quantities and product information during the picking process.
• Prepare customer orders for shipment.
• Pack products into appropriate cartons, containers or other packaging.
• Build and prepare orders according to customer specifications.
• Wrap and secure products as required for storage or shipment.
• Apply product, customer, inventory and shipping labels.
• Scan products and inventory during receiving, picking, packing and shipping processes.
• Use barcode scanners, handheld devices and warehouse systems to confirm inventory and order activity.
• Stage completed orders in designated areas for outbound shipment.
• Assist with parcel and LTL order preparation.
• Perform kitting and product assembly activities as required.
• Repackage or relabel products according to customer specifications.
• Perform basic quality-control inspections.
• Identify and report damaged, incorrect or nonconforming products.
• Assist with freight rework, including sorting, inspecting, repackaging and relabeling products.
• Assist with returns and reverse-logistics processing as assigned.
• Participate in inventory counts and cycle-counting activities.
• Help maintain accurate inventory quantities and product locations.
• Maintain clean, organized and safe work areas.
• Remove cardboard, shrink wrap, packaging materials and other warehouse waste from work areas.
• Follow established warehouse procedures and customer-specific work instructions.
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged products, spills or workplace injuries.
• Participate in required safety meetings and training.
• Assist in other warehouse areas as workload and customer needs require.
• Perform additional warehouse and distribution duties as assigned by management.

Order Fulfillment Responsibilities

Paragon Warehouse Solutions provides both traditional warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment services. Associates working in fulfillment areas may be responsible for:

• Picking individual products or case quantities for customer orders.
• Verifying products and quantities before packing.
• Using barcode scanners or handheld devices to confirm picks.
• Packing products securely for shipment.
• Applying shipping and product labels.
• Performing scan verification and quality checks.
• Assembling kits or multi-item orders.
• Preparing custom packaging based on customer requirements.
• Sorting completed orders by customer, carrier or destination.
• Staging completed orders for shipment.

Accuracy and attention to detail are essential because associates are responsible for ensuring that the correct products and quantities are prepared for each customer order.

Qualifications

• Previous warehouse, distribution, fulfillment, shipping/receiving or manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to learn warehouse receiving, picking, packing and shipping procedures.
• Ability to use barcode scanners, handheld devices or warehouse management systems after training.
• Basic reading skills necessary to identify products, labels and shipping information.
• Basic math skills necessary to count and verify product quantities.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to perform different warehouse functions based on daily customer and operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist and squat.
• Use hands and arms repeatedly to handle products and packaging materials.
• Push and pull products, carts or materials as required.
• Perform repetitive picking, packing, labeling and sorting activities.
• Work around loading docks, trailers, palletized products, warehouse racking and other warehouse activity.
• Lift, carry and move products consistent with the requirements of the assigned work area.
• Maintain an appropriate work pace throughout the scheduled shift.

Work Environment

This position works primarily inside a large warehouse and distribution facility. Employees may be assigned to receiving, storage, order fulfillment, picking, packing, shipping, staging, inventory or other operational areas depending on customer volume and business needs. The warehouse is an active distribution environment that may include loading docks, tractor-trailers, palletized products, warehouse racking, shipping areas and continuous movement of products and employees. Associates are expected to remain aware of their surroundings and follow all established safety procedures.

Key Performance Expectations

• Safety: Follow all company safety policies and established warehouse procedures.
• Accuracy: Pick, pack, label and prepare the correct products and quantities.
• Productivity: Maintain an efficient work pace while meeting quality expectations.
• Quality: Handle customer products carefully and identify damaged or incorrect products.
• Dependability: Maintain reliable attendance and arrive ready to work as scheduled.
• Flexibility: Work in different warehouse areas and perform different assignments as business needs change.
• Teamwork: Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Attention to Detail: Carefully follow customer-specific instructions, labels and order requirements.
• Housekeeping: Maintain clean, organized and safe work areas