Common Warehouse Jobs: A Day at Buske Logistics in Tampa

At Buske Logistics, we have 30 warehouses across the U.S. and Canada. Typically, each warehouse has a standard set of jobs and responsibilities that make the warehouse run every day. Here’s a glimpse into a day in the life at our Tampa facilities and the common jobs that make the operation run smoothly.

What Jobs Are Available in a Warehouse?

The warehousing and storage sector is a bustling industry in the United States, producing millions of job opportunities yearly. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that warehousing and storage alone employs over 1.7 million individuals as of May 2024.

Warehouses offer a variety of essential roles to ensure efficient operations and smooth logistics. Because logistics operations are round the clock, it’s also reasonably common for 3PLs in Tampa, like Buske, to offer warehouse night shift jobs.

These roles are crucial for maintaining the flow of goods, from receiving shipments to ensuring accurate inventory management and timely order fulfillment. 

At Buske Logistics in Tampa, each position is vital to our mission to provide top-notch logistics solutions focusing on efficiency, safety, and employee growth.

Buske Warehouse Job Descriptions

Wondering what kind of jobs are available in the warehouse in Buske’s Tampa facilities? Here are some warehouse positions and descriptions of the responsibilities they entail.

1. Warehouse Manager: The Leaders in the Field

Our warehouse managers are leaders who inspire their teams. At Buske Logistics, we emphasize a collaborative and supportive culture where managers are equipped to make decisions that drive operational success.

Warehouse Manager responsibilities:

• Team Coordination: Leading and managing warehouse staff to ensure smooth daily operations. This includes coordinating with various departments such as corporate, transportation services, and other facilities to align goals and streamline processes.
• Compliance and Safety: Enforcing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with company policies. Our managers adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and incorporate advanced safety measures, including regular safety drills, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and continuous safety training.
• Performance Monitoring: Tracking productivity, providing feedback, and implementing training programs to enhance team performance. Productivity is tracked using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, fulfillment speed, inventory accuracy, and more qualitative metrics such as employee happiness. Managers use this data to provide constructive feedback and tailor training programs to address any gaps, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

2. Warehouse Associate: The Backbone of Operations

Warehouse associates at Buske Logistics are equipped with the latest technology and continuous training, fostering a culture of collaboration. Unlike many competitors, our associates benefit from a clear career progression path and a supportive team environment.

Warehouse Associate responsibilities:

• Receiving and Inspection: When new shipments arrive, warehouse associates check for accuracy and damage, ensuring all items are accounted for. They verify quantities and item descriptions and report any discrepancies or damages. This is crucial to maintaining accurate inventory records and ensuring quality control.
• Order Picking and Packing: Utilizing our advanced warehouse management system, associates pick items for orders, pack them securely, and prepare them for shipping. They follow precise instructions provided by the system to ensure accuracy. Proper labeling and documentation are also part of their tasks to ensure smooth delivery.
• Inventory Management: Update inventory records regularly to reflect stock levels accurately and participate in cycle counts to ensure data integrity. This process helps maintain an accurate and up-to-date view of inventory for efficient order fulfillment.
• Safety Protocols: Adhering to strict safety standards to create a secure working environment for all team members. Associates participate in regular safety training sessions to stay updated on best practices. Reporting any unsafe conditions or practices is also a key part of their role in maintaining workplace safety.

3. Forklift Operator: The Heavy Lifters

Our forklift operators are crucial to our success. They handle heavy loads with skill and care. At Buske, they receive specialized training to operate machinery safely and efficiently, making their role indispensable.

Forklift Operator responsibilities:

• Efficient Transport: Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading trucks using a forklift and moving large quantities of goods in that process. Their role is crucial for maintaining a smooth flow of goods in and out of the warehouse, which is essential for meeting delivery schedules and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Warehouse Organization: Once a forklift operator picks up a pallet or unit of goods, the WMS will tell them where to go in order to keep an organized warehouse. This organization allows for easy access to goods and efficient inventory management, contributing significantly to overall warehouse safety.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular checks and maintenance of forklifts are essential to ensure optimal working conditions. Operators perform routine inspections, handle minor repairs, and report any major issues. Proper maintenance helps prevent accidents and extends the lifespan of the equipment. 

4. Inventory Specialist: The Keepers of Accuracy

Inventory specialists at Buske Logistics are analytical and detail-oriented. They play a vital role in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of our operations, supported by our WMS system.

Inventory Specialist responsibilities:

• Cycle Counting: Conducting regular counts to maintain accurate inventory records. This process ensures that the inventory data reflects actual stock levels, helping to prevent discrepancies and stockouts.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Investigate and resolve any inventory discrepancies to ensure data reliability. Specialists analyze discrepancies, determine their causes, and take corrective actions to maintain data integrity.
• System Updates: Using advanced inventory management software to keep real-time records of stock movements. This practice allows for accurate tracking of inventory and supports efficient warehouse operations.

Other Job Positions

• Shipping and Receiving Clerk: This position handles incoming and outgoing shipments, verifies orders, and ensures that products are correctly labeled and packed. Clerks are also responsible for maintaining accurate shipping records and coordinating with carriers to ensure timely delivery and receipt of goods.
• Order Picker: This person selects products from the warehouse shelves based on customer orders, prepares them for shipment, and ensures accuracy. Order pickers use handheld devices to track inventory and fulfill orders, playing a critical role in meeting customer expectations.
• Material Handler: Depending on the company, a material handler can also be called a forklift operation. They move, load, and unload materials within the warehouse, often working closely with forklift operators and other warehouse staff. Material handlers ensure that goods are stored in the correct locations, facilitating smooth warehouse operations and inventory management.
• Quality Control Specialist: This person checks products for defects, ensures they meet quality standards, and reports any issues to the appropriate department. Inspectors perform regular quality checks during various stages of the warehousing process to maintain high product standards and customer satisfaction. An example of where you would see a Quality Control Specialist is on a repack line. 
• Logistics Coordinator: Also called a shipping clerk, they plan and coordinate the movement of goods, often working with suppliers, transport companies, and customers to ensure timely delivery. Coordinators manage schedules, track shipments, and resolve any logistical issues that arise, ensuring reliable transportation of goods.
• Warehouse Clerk: Performs administrative tasks such as data entry, record-keeping, and processing paperwork related to warehouse operations. Clerks maintain inventory records, process orders, and handle communication between different departments to support overall warehouse efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical warehousing services?

At Buske for example, our standard warehousing services include contract warehousing services, fulfillment, sequencing, transportation, and value-added services. 

Additional services we provide our clients include advanced inventory management, supply chain consulting, and customized solutions to meet each partner's specific logistical needs.

Where can you learn more about warehousing jobs at Buske Logistics in Tampa?

Buske has facilities strategically located across the United States and Canada to provide our clients with the most efficient 3PL services. Particularly in Tampa, Buske has two facilities on Harney Road.

How does a Warehouse ensure the safety of its employees?

Safety is a top priority at Buske Logistics. We implement stringent safety protocols, provide regular training, and equip our facilities with advanced safety features such as sprinkler systems and monitored security.

For instance, we implement a structured training program with regular sessions on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and equipment handling. We update this program frequently to incorporate industry standards and safety regulations. 

We use a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and online modules to ensure that all employees receive comprehensive and consistent training. Additionally, regular assessments and refresher courses help maintain high standards and keep safety and quality at the forefront of all staff members' minds.

Hard Work Behind Great Things

Buske Logistics goes beyond the basics of warehouse jobs by investing in our people and technology. This commitment ensures that every team member, from warehouse associates to supervisors, plays a crucial role in our success.

Learn more about Buske’s commitment to meeting client demands and ensuring your business is in good hands. Contact us online or call us at +1 (618) 931-6091.