Merchandise Handler in Idaho Career Overview
As a Merchandise Handler, you play an essential role in the logistics and supply chain of retail and distribution industries. Your responsibilities center around the efficient movement of products from suppliers to retailers or warehouses, ensuring that inventory levels are maintained and that goods are readily available for customers.
Key functions of a Merchandise Handler include:
Receiving Merchandise: You are responsible for accepting shipments, verifying quantities, and inspecting goods for any damages. This step ensures quality control and accurate record-keeping.
Sorting and Organizing: You categorize products based on size, type, and destination within the facility. Your organizational skills contribute to a streamlined operation, facilitating quicker access to inventory.
Inventory Management: Regularly tracking stock levels and updating inventory systems fall under your purview. Your attention to detail helps maintain optimal stock levels, preventing shortages or excesses.
Preparing Orders for Shipment: You pick and pack items according to specific orders, ensuring that products are securely packaged and ready for transport. This process is vital for delivering accurate orders to customers.
Maintaining Workspaces: A focus on cleanliness and organization in the areas where you work is essential. You help uphold safety regulations, creating a safe environment for colleagues and preserving the condition of merchandise.
Collaborating with Team Members: Communication with colleagues and supervisors is a regular part of your role. You work closely with others to coordinate schedules, discuss inventory needs, and streamline operations.
In the broader context of the industry, your work as a Merchandise Handler contributes to the efficiency of the supply chain, ultimately affecting customer satisfaction and company profitability. Your role is foundational in ensuring that goods are where they need to be when they need to be there, supporting the overall success of retail operations.
Merchandise Handler Salary in Idaho
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Merchandise Handler in Idaho
To become a Merchandise Handler in Idaho, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. While specific formal education is not always a requirement, pursuing relevant college degree programs can enhance your knowledge and job prospects in the retail and merchandising industry. Consider the following educational paths:
Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations: This program focuses on the marketing and sales aspects of apparel and accessory products, equipping you with skills necessary for managing inventory and understanding consumer behavior.
Consumer Retail Management: This degree emphasizes principles of management within the retail sector, which is beneficial for understanding operational logistics and sales strategies as a Merchandise Handler.
Fashion Merchandising: A program in fashion merchandising covers trends in the fashion industry and product management, providing insights that are valuable when handling and merchandising fashion items.
General Merchandising: This degree offers a broad overview of merchandising practices, including buying, selling, and inventory management, critical for effectively working in retail environments.
Sales and Related Marketing Operations: Focused on sales techniques and marketing operations, this program prepares you to engage with product lines and customers effectively.
Retailing and Retail Operations: This course of study covers the practical aspects of retail business operations, which is essential for understanding the workflow within retail environments.
By pursuing these educational qualifications, you will gain relevant knowledge and skills that will aid you in your career as a Merchandise Handler.
Best Schools to become a Merchandise Handler in Idaho 2024
Fashion Institute of Technology
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York University
Texas A & M University-College Station
Kent State University at Kent
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders.
- May operate power equipment to fill orders.
- May mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.
Merchandise Handler Required Skills and Competencies in Idaho
Attention to Detail: You must be able to accurately track inventory, ensuring that products are correctly labeled and organized. This precision minimizes errors and enhances efficiency in your work.
Physical Stamina: The role requires the ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks. Maintaining good physical condition is essential to handle the demands of the job.
Time Management: You need to efficiently prioritize tasks to meet shipping and receiving deadlines. Effective time management helps ensure a smooth workflow and minimizes delays.
Communication Skills: You will regularly interact with team members and supervisors. Strong verbal communication skills are vital for clarifying instructions and collaborating effectively.
Teamwork: Being able to work well within a group is important. Cooperation with colleagues helps maintain a positive work environment and enhances overall productivity.
Problem-Solving Skills: You should be able to quickly identify issues that arise during the handling and distribution of products. A proactive approach to problem-solving will help in maintaining efficient operations.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with warehouse management systems and equipment (such as forklifts and pallet jacks) is crucial. You may need to operate machinery or software essential for inventory management.
Organizational Skills: The ability to keep materials and supplies organized is necessary for efficient operation. Good organization aids in quick retrieval and ensures that items are easy to find.
Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to safety procedures is important to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. You should be knowledgeable about proper lifting techniques and the safe operation of equipment.
Adaptability: In a fast-paced environment, you may need to adjust to changing priorities or unexpected challenges. Being flexible will help you navigate these changes effectively.
Job Duties for Merchandise Handlers
Answer customers' questions about merchandise and advise customers on merchandise selection.
Complete order receipts.
Issue or distribute materials, products, parts, and supplies to customers or coworkers, based on information from incoming requisitions.
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- SAP software
Inventory management software
- Inventory tracking software
- Ordering software
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Reading work related information
Social
- Looking for ways to help people
Job Market and Opportunities for Merchandise Handler in Idaho
The job market for Merchandise Handlers in Idaho reflects the broader trends within the retail and logistics sectors, which are currently experiencing significant shifts. The demand for professionals in this field is closely tied to the growth of e-commerce and retail operations across the state.
Current Demand: The need for Merchandise Handlers remains robust as businesses seek to streamline operations and enhance inventory management. Several companies across various industries are actively hiring due to an increasing reliance on distribution centers and warehouses.
Growth Potential: Over the next few years, the Merchandise Handler role is expected to grow in parallel with the expanding retail environment. The state's population growth has prompted the establishment of new distribution centers, which in turn creates more job opportunities. Alongside this growth, advancements in automation and inventory technology may shift some responsibilities within the role, yet the overall demand for Merchandise Handlers will likely continue to rise.
Geographical Hotspots: Key areas in Idaho stand out for their concentration of opportunities in merchandising and logistics. Notable hotspots include:
- Boise: As the state capital and largest city, Boise hosts numerous retail outlets and distribution centers, making it a prime location for Merchandise Handler positions.
- Nampa: With its proximity to the Boise metropolitan area and growing retail infrastructure, Nampa has emerged as a notable area for job openings.
- Idaho Falls: This city serves as a regional hub for retail operations, thereby increasing demand for Merchandise Handlers.
- Twin Falls: The expanding economy and logistics efforts in Twin Falls contribute to a steady need for professionals in this field.
Overall, the landscape for Merchandise Handlers in Idaho is promising, with various opportunities across different regions as businesses adapt to evolving consumer demands and operational efficiencies.
Top Related Careers to Merchandise Handler 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Merchandise Handler in Idaho
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
A government agency that provides guidelines and regulations to ensure workplace safety. You can find safety resources specifically tailored for handling merchandise.
OSHA WebsiteU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
This site offers essential statistics on job outlook, salary expectations, and employment conditions for merchandise handlers.
BLS Merchandise Handler InformationNational Retail Federation (NRF)
The NRF provides resources on retail industry standards, including best practices for merchandise handling and logistics.
NRF WebsiteIdaho Department of Labor
Discover information on job postings, skills training, and labor market trends within Idaho, relevant to merchandise handlers.
Idaho Department of LaborAmerican Warehouse Association (AWA)
AWA focuses on warehousing and logistics, offering educational materials and networking opportunities specific to merchandise handlers.
AWA WebsiteCertified Warehouse Logistics Technician (CWLT) Certification
This certification program enhances your skills and marketability as a merchandise handler. More information can be found through educational institutions or online training platforms.
CWLT CertificationJob Search Platforms
- Indeed: A popular job search engine where you can find listings for merchandise handler positions in Idaho.
Indeed Merchandise Handler Jobs - LinkedIn: Use this platform to build your professional network and discover job opportunities.
LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed: A popular job search engine where you can find listings for merchandise handler positions in Idaho.
Local Trade Schools and Community Colleges
Many institutions in Idaho offer programs and workshops related to logistics and warehouse management. Check with your local schools for relevant courses. A list of community colleges can be found here:
Idaho Community CollegesBooks and Literature
Look for books focused on logistics management, inventory control, and effective merchandising strategies at local or online bookstores. Popular titles include:- "Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse" by Gwynne Richards
- "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon" by Brad Stone
Use these resources to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills in the field of merchandise handling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Merchandise Handler in Idaho
What are the primary responsibilities of a Merchandise Handler?
As a Merchandise Handler, your responsibilities typically include receiving, sorting, and storing merchandise, packing and unpacking goods, maintaining inventory records, operating equipment such as forklifts, and ensuring a clean and organized workspace.What skills are essential for a Merchandise Handler?
Key skills include attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, basic computer literacy, and the ability to operate warehouse equipment. Good communication skills are also beneficial.What is the typical work environment for a Merchandise Handler?
You will primarily work in warehouses, distribution centers, or retail back rooms. This environment can be fast-paced and may require you to be on your feet for long periods.Are there specific educational requirements to become a Merchandise Handler?
A high school diploma or GED is often required. Additional certifications in warehouse management or safety training can be advantageous but are not typically mandatory.What advancement opportunities are available for Merchandise Handlers?
With experience and additional training, you may advance to supervisory roles, inventory management, or logistics coordination positions within the supply chain.Is prior experience required to become a Merchandise Handler?
While some employers may prefer candidates with previous experience in a warehouse or retail setting, many entry-level positions do not require prior experience and provide on-the-job training.What are the physical demands of the job?
The role requires physical strength and stamina as you will need to lift heavy items, stand for extended periods, and participate in tasks that involve bending, stretching, and carrying.What are typical working hours for a Merchandise Handler?
Working hours can vary. You may work standard daytime shifts, evening shifts, or even weekends and holidays, depending on the employer's operating hours.How does pay compare for Merchandise Handlers in Idaho?
Wages can vary by experience, location, and employer. As of October 2023, average hourly wages for Merchandise Handlers in Idaho may range from around $14 to $20 per hour, depending on various factors.What safety measures should Merchandise Handlers be aware of?
Safety measures include using personal protective equipment (PPE), being aware of your surroundings, following proper lifting techniques, and adhering to safety protocols when operating machinery.Are there union opportunities for Merchandise Handlers?
Yes, some Merchandise Handlers may choose to join labor unions that advocate for worker rights and benefits. Union membership can offer additional support and collective bargaining power.