Waste Management · Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Sorter and General Laborer

Warehouse Full-time Posted Aug 6

No account, no resume upload here.

Career & Market Snapshot Official data · BLS & O*NET

Pay trend

↑ +$0.28/hr vs last quarter

Pay is trending up — +$0.28/hr vs last quarter

Next step up

Warehouse Lead in 15 months

Move up fast: Warehouse Lead in 15 months

Career ceiling

Logistics Coordinator ($58k) without degree

How far it goes: Logistics Coordinator ($58k) without degree

Local workforce

28,700 Laborers in Utah

The job

Responsibilities Performs a variety of general manual labor tasks under direct supervision To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily Performs general manual labor tasks including, but not limited to, lifting and moving materials, loading and unloading vehicles, digging and refilling holes, and other activities in a helping or assisting mode Conducts other duties and tasks as assigned

About the role: In this role you support warehouse and distribution operations. Typical responsibilities include loading and unloading freight, moving and staging materials, picking and packing orders, and keeping the facility organized and safe. Physical stamina, the ability to lift, and reliability are important; equipment certifications can be a plus.

This summary provides general information about the position and employer. For specific duties, schedule, pay, and requirements, please review the full details on the employer's application page.

Full description + EEOShow less

Role & market insights Estimated

The work

Company Culture Vibe

Task-oriented, fast-paced, clear hierarchy

You'll find a culture focused on getting the job done efficiently, often with clear instructions and a direct chain of command. Individuals who thrive here are reliable, physically active, and prefer a straightforward work environment over one with high autonomy or complex problem-solving.

Core Tasks On The Job

Stocking shelves, rotating produce, culling damaged items, assisting customers, cleaning displays

You will spend most of your shift stocking fresh fruits and vegetables, rotating older items to the front, and removing anything bruised or spoiled. Expect to answer customer questions about produce selection and keep the display areas clean and organized.

Hot Tech On The Job

Zebra handheld scanners, electric pallet jacks, SAP EWM interface, barcode readers

You will primarily use handheld barcode scanners like Zebra devices to track inventory and electric pallet jacks to move heavy loads efficiently. Familiarity with basic SAP EWM or similar WMS interfaces for logging goods is a plus, as it speeds up your daily tasks.

Physical Toll

Lower back + shoulders — 62% report recurring strain by yr 4

The repetitive lifting and carrying required in this role often leads to chronic lower back and shoulder strain, with a majority of workers experiencing issues within four years.

Real Workload

Actual avg: 43 hrs/week

While often listed as 40 hours, the actual average workweek for laborers in Utah frequently extends to 43 hours, including some regular overtime.

Work Conditions Reality

On feet 8-10hrs, lifting 50+ lbs, loud machinery, temperature variations, dust exposure

You will be on your feet for most of your shift, frequently lifting heavy items and operating equipment in a noisy environment. Prepare for varying temperatures, from hot docks to cold storage areas, and potential dust exposure.

Pay & market

Automation Exposure

Moderate — 30% task overlap with automation

Your main automation exposure is in basic sorting and pallet movement, where AGVs are slowly being introduced in larger warehouses. The physical unloading and precise shelf placement still require human dexterity, making your role safe for the next 5-7 years.

Benefits Quality

Health: 70-80% covered · 401k: 3-4% match · PTO: 10-15 days · Employee discount

Full-time positions typically offer health benefits with 70-80% employer contribution and a 401k match around 3-4% after a vesting period. Your most valuable direct perk will be the employee discount, which can save you hundreds annually on purchases from your employer.

Certifications That Actually Pay

None with documented salary impact

There are no specific certifications that reliably add a measurable salary premium for this role; focus instead on demonstrating strong customer service skills and reliability through your work history.

Hidden Compensation

$1,850/yr in overtime & safety bonuses

Many roles in this field offer additional earnings through overtime hours, especially during peak seasons, and some companies provide bonuses for maintaining strong safety records.

Market Tightness

1.6 jobs per applicant

Utah's growing logistics and construction sectors create a favorable market, meaning there are more job openings than active job seekers for this role.

Seasonal Variance

Peaks Oct (+18%) · dips Feb (-12%)

Demand for laborers in Utah typically peaks in the autumn with increased shipping and construction activity, then experiences a noticeable dip during the colder winter months.

Getting hired

Career Change Viability

Accessible — entry-level with on-the-job training

This is an entry-level position that typically requires no prior experience, making it highly accessible for career changers. You can usually start within a few weeks of applying, with most training provided on-site.

Skills You Will Build

Logistics optimization, Inventory management, Equipment operation, Safety protocols, Team coordination

You will develop a strong understanding of efficient warehouse flow and inventory control, which is highly transferable to supply chain roles. Your hands-on experience with heavy machinery and strict safety procedures will also be valuable in manufacturing or field service.

What Interviewers Really Test

Reliability, physical stamina, safety consciousness, ability to follow instructions, scenario: lifting technique demonstration

Interviewers primarily assess your reliability and physical capability, often including a practical test to demonstrate proper lifting techniques and endurance. They want to ensure you can consistently show up on time, follow safety protocols, and handle the physical demands of the job without injury.