You might think that the only people working in a warehouse setting are burly construction types that have only a high-school diploma to their names. But nothing could be further from the truth. Warehouse operations require a wide variety of skilled and educated workers in order for business to run smoothly, and they store and supply materials for all manner of businesses. They may cater to industrial pursuits by stocking building materials like metal and machine parts or they could provide a stopover for manufacturers. Your smartphone is likely held in several warehouses between the time the parts are manufactured and assembled and it hits store shelves. In any case, you might find that there are some interesting career options when it comes to working in a warehouse setting. Here are a few to consider.

1. Inventory. Generally speaking, warehouses are designed with the primary purpose of acting as massive storage facilities. They may house anything from paper goods to police evidence to packages en route from point A to point B. However, someone needs to be in charge of making sure that all goods are present and accounted for. This is where an inventory specialist would come in. Depending on the frequency of the pickup and delivery schedule this could be a very busy position indeed, so you’ll need a diligent and meticulous nature to handle this type of job.
2. Transportation. Many warehouses have their own fleets of vehicles designed to ferry products here and there. And they need people to load and unload, drive, and dispatch and coordinate these cars, truck, vans, and utility vehicles. This can sometimes be a fast-paced and stressful position, but if you like a little excitement, you’re good at making changes on the fly, and you work well with others, perhaps coordinating a fleet of vehicles for a warehouse facility is right up your alley.
3. Security. Because warehouses are often holding valuable merchandise, they may become the target of criminal endeavors (theft, vandalism, etc.). For this reason, most have at least a modicum of security, while some have state-of-the-art protection measures. Their on-site efforts could include fencing, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and even security guards. But they’ll likely need someone to maintain and monitor the entire setup.
4. Machining. Depending on the type of warehouse you work in, there could be plenty of call for technical job types that involve machining of some kind. This could entail fixing and maintaining mechanical components, welding, engineering, and more. So I you happen to be good with a torch or you like to tinker with engines (and you’re qualified to do so, of course), these could be just the types of warehouse jobs you’re looking for.
5. Heavy machinery operation. Perhaps the job most often associated with warehouses is the operation of heavy machinery designed to move goods from here to there, namely forklifts. If you are licensed to operate this type of machinery, or you would like to be, then a job in a warehouse facility is where it’s at. So strap on your hard hat and put those forklift forks and power loaders to work, Ellen Ripley style. Okay, you may have to wait awhile on the power loader.