Waste Management logoWM
Waste Management · Elizabeth, NJ 07215

Warehouse Associate

Warehouse Full-time Posted Aug 6

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Career & Market Snapshot Official data · BLS & O*NET
Pay trend
↑ +$0.55/hr vs last quarter
Pay is trending up — +$0.55/hr vs last quarter
Next step up
Warehouse Team Lead in 20 months
Move up fast: Warehouse Team Lead in 20 months
Career ceiling
Logistics Coordinator ($68k) without degree
How far it goes: Logistics Coordinator ($68k) without degree
Local workforce
78,400 Laborers in New Jersey
78,400 Laborers in New Jersey

The job

Job Summary

Warehouse Associate Assembles mail-back and other product kits. Assembles mailback and other product kits according to established procedures. Packs orders for shipment to insure efficient use of materials and safety of items in transit Uses handheld to execute outbound order shipments Demonstrates the ability to operate forklift, pallet jack, and dolly Physical requirements include standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, grasping, talking, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination, walking, feeling, and hearing. This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. Benefits at WM include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Benefits may vary by site.

Responsibilities

  • Under direct supervision, the Warehouse Associate role receives inbound materials, performs equipment maintenance, loads and unloads vehicles, performs general housekeeping and processes material for treatment.
  • Essential duties and responsibilities include:
  • Picks kits and stock items from printed pick list to fulfill customer orders
  • Unloads, inspects, and reports status of inbound materials
  • Works toward achieving maximum efficiencies in an established work environment while maintaining safety & compliance with all applicable rules and regulations
  • Performs physical inventory counts
  • Provides feedback to management on ways to increase efficiencies and the effectiveness of servicing customer needs.
  • Participates in process improvement activities (LEAN)
  • Performs necessary record keeping activities
  • Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.

Requirements

  • Stocks pick and rack locations to meet projected demand requirements
  • Demonstrates the ability to observe safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly
  • Demonstrates the ability to drive equipment in close quarters
  • As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing—including pre‑employment screening, post‑incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing—in accordance with government regulations and company policies.

Role & market insights Estimated

The work
Company Culture Vibe
Task-oriented, structured hierarchy, fast-paced, high autonomy for experienced staff
Expect a task-oriented environment with clear directives and a structured hierarchy, where efficiency is highly valued. Individuals who are self-motivated, enjoy physical work, and thrive on clear goals will do well, while those who prefer creative problem-solving or quiet environments may find it draining.
Core Tasks On The Job
Picking orders, Packing items, Loading/unloading trucks, Inventory scanning, Staging shipments
You will spend most of your shift picking items from shelves using a handheld scanner, then packing them securely for shipment. Expect to frequently load and unload delivery trucks, and scan inventory into the system to maintain accurate stock counts.
Hot Tech On The Job
RF Scanners (Zebra, Honeywell), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) (SAP EWM, Manhattan Associates), Pallet Jacks (manual/electric), Forklifts (Crown, Hyster)
You'll regularly use RF scanners from brands like Zebra or Honeywell to track inventory, and interact with Warehouse Management Systems like SAP EWM or Manhattan Associates on terminals. Operating pallet jacks and potentially forklifts (if certified) will be a daily occurrence.
Physical Toll
Lower back + shoulders — 62% report recurring strain by yr 4
The demanding nature of this work, involving frequent lifting and carrying, often leads to chronic lower back and shoulder strain for over half of workers within four years.
Real Workload
Actual avg: 43 hrs/week
While a 40-hour week is standard, many laborers in New Jersey regularly work a few extra hours due to operational needs, especially during busy periods.
Work Conditions Reality
On feet 8-10hrs, lifting 20-50lbs frequently, moderate to high noise, temperature variations, dust exposure
You will be on your feet for most of your 8-10 hour shift, frequently lifting and moving packages weighing 20-50 pounds. Expect exposure to moderate to high noise levels from machinery and varying temperatures depending on the season and warehouse type.
Pay & market
Automation Exposure
Moderate — 30% task overlap with automation
Your main automation exposure is basic item picking and repetitive sorting, where robotic systems are becoming more common in large distribution centers. However, complex item handling, truck loading/unloading, and problem-solving still require human intervention for at least the next 5-7 years.
Benefits Quality
Health: 70-85% covered · 401k: 3-5% match · PTO: 10-15 days · Employee discounts on products
You can expect health insurance with 70-85% employer contribution and a 401k match typically between 3-5% after a vesting period. Many retail or e-commerce warehouses offer employee discounts on their products, which can be a significant perk.
Certifications That Actually Pay
Forklift Operator Certification adds +$1.50/hr, OSHA 10-hour General Industry adds +$0.75/hr
Obtaining a Forklift Operator Certification can immediately increase your hourly wage by $1.50 or more, making you eligible for higher-paying roles. An OSHA 10-hour General Industry certification demonstrates a commitment to safety and can add a small premium, while also opening doors to lead positions.
Hidden Compensation
$1,850/yr in overtime & safety bonuses
Beyond base wages, expect additional income from mandatory overtime during peak periods and performance-based safety incentives, common in logistics and warehousing.
Market Tightness
2.3 jobs per applicant
This indicates a healthy demand for laborers in New Jersey, with more job openings than active applicants, offering job seekers good leverage.
Seasonal Variance
Peaks Nov (+18%) · dips Feb (-12%)
Demand for laborers in New Jersey surges significantly in the fall leading up to the holiday season, then experiences a noticeable dip in early winter as activity slows.
Getting hired
Career Change Viability
Accessible — entry-level roles with on-the-job training, 1-2 weeks to start
Breaking into this role is highly accessible, as many companies offer entry-level positions with comprehensive on-the-job training. You can typically secure a position and begin working within 1-2 weeks, often without prior experience if you demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Skills You Will Build
Inventory Management, Logistics Coordination, Equipment Operation, Safety Protocols, Team Collaboration
You will develop a strong understanding of inventory flow and logistics, which is highly transferable to supply chain analyst or operations roles. Your proficiency in operating various warehouse equipment and adhering to strict safety standards will also be valuable in manufacturing or distribution.
What Interviewers Really Test
Attention to Detail, Reliability, Physical Stamina, Problem-Solving, Safety Awareness — scenario-based questions on handling damaged goods or missed deadlines
Interviewers are looking for your ability to follow precise instructions and your reliability, often through questions about past attendance or error rates. They will also assess your physical capacity and safety mindset, frequently using scenarios about unexpected inventory issues or equipment malfunctions.

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