STOCK CLERKS California Occupational Guide Number 74 Interest Area 5-D 1997
THE JOB
STOCK CLERKS receive, store and give out all types of goods, equipment and supplies. Job duties are different depending on the kinds of things handled and the way they are stored.
Most goods are stored in stockrooms or storerooms which have to be kept clean and free from rats, insects, and other pests. Some things have to be stored very carefully to keep them from spoiling or becoming contaminated, or because the thing itself is hazardous. Stock Clerks in these places must be alert for any emergency and have to work closely with refrigeration and sanitation technicians.
Stock Clerks check incoming materials and goods against purchase orders and other documents. They check to see if the goods are of the right quality and amount and take action if anything is wrong. They arrange the goods in storage areas by type, size, style, etc.
Before using the available storage space, Stock Clerks have to figure out storage limits, like height, weight and shape of items, and how long they must be stored. Other duties may include reordering supplies, filling orders and keeping records of receipts and disbursements, often using computers.
TOOL-CRIB ATTENDANTS are also known as tool clerks and are in charge of the tool crib, a room in a machine shop or other kinds of metal fabrication and assembly plants used to receive, store and issue tools and supplies that are needed by the production workers.
Attendants receive and store items such as hand tools, cutting tools, machine attachments and accessories, hand-held power tools, abrasives, lubricants, wiping rags and solvents. In electronics and aerospace plants, special attendants are in charge of highly sensitive gauges and instruments that are kept under controlled temperature, humidity and cleanliness. On request from workers, attendants give out tools and supplies and log all withdrawals and returns. When distributing safety equipment, the attendant may help the user adjust it for fit, comfort and effectiveness.
Attendants may sharpen, repair and maintain tools, or send them to the proper place for service, major repair or replacement. Other duties include ordering new equipment and supplies, tracing lost tools and keeping the crib clean and orderly. An on-going inventory is usually kept and from time to time actual counts of all items in the crib are made.
More and more, Stock Clerks and Tool-Crib Attendants use computers for inventory control.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Stock Clerks and Tool-Crib Attendants work indoors, with good lighting, heating and ventilation. They usually do their duties alone, but have frequent contact with other workers. The job requires a lot of standing, walking, stooping, bending and lifting. Safety equipment such as gloves, boots, helmets and safety glasses may be required. Stock Clerks may belong to the Teamsters Union, the Retail Clerks Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union or unions having plant-wide contracts with the employer.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Stock Clerks in California will reach 96,910 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 9,510 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 21,700 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 96,910 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 118,610 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The demand for Stock Clerks will go down in some industries where computers have cut back on the number of jobs. In some warehouses, Stock Clerks use computers to locate merchandise and do inventory, reducing the need for workers . Price scanners and shelf label pricing have reduced the need for retail Stock Clerks.
In dry goods, retail and wholesale, the demand should remain fairly stable and even grow during peak seasons. Though some employers will train new employees in the use of computers for inventory control, the biggest demand will be for applicants with previous experience in stock work and knowledge of computers.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Stock Clerks and Tool-Crib Attendants differ according to job duties, type of industry and company locations. Wages are generally higher in larger cities. Beginning Stock Clerks make from minimum wage to $14.00 an hour. With some experience they can earn up to $16.00 per hour, and fully experienced Stock Clerks can make up to $19.00 an hour.
The normal work week is 40 hours, with time-and-one-half for overtime, and many workers receive shift differential pay. Employee benefits may include life insurance, health and retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Except for on-the-job, there is no formal training for stockroom work, but workers should be able to understand and use simple forms and do basic math. They need to write legibly and follow spoken and written instructions quickly and accurately. Many employers insist on a high school diploma or GED; a valid California driver's license is required by many employers. Also, some employers require experience or knowledge in a specific product line. Knowledge of computers is becoming a job requirement.
ADVANCEMENT
Persons interested in promotion can enroll at local community colleges or evening adult schools. Recommended subjects include inventory control, merchandising methods, business math and supervision. Promotions for Stock Clerks may be to Chief Stock Clerk, storekeeper, warehouse manager or purchasing agent. Stock Clerks interested in merchandising can move into sales work; and Tool-Crib Attendants, limited in career mobility, may become machinists.
FINDING THE JOB
Stock Clerks are employed mostly in construction, wholesale and retail trade, and like Tool-Crib Attendants, in manufacturing and government. Common job titles for Stock Clerks include commissary clerk, cellar person, film library clerk, vault clerk, parts clerk, storekeeper and floorstocker. Most beginners get their jobs by making personal application to employers. Job referrals can also be gotten through the California Employment Development Department Job Match Program, private employment agencies and unions. The classified ads of the newspaper are an additional source of job leads, as well as union locals.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Some Stock Clerks are members of unions, represented by the union that represents other workers in that business. Unions that represent Stock Clerks include:
United Food and Commercial Workers #324 8530 Stanton Ave. P. O. Box 5004 Buena Park, CA 90622 (714) 995-4601
Teamsters Chauffeurs and Helpers #150 7120 East Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 (916) 392-7070
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Cashiers No. 31 Shipping and Receiving Clerks No. 63 Automobile Parts Counter Workers No. 237
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Stock Control Clerk 219.387-030 Parts Clerk 222.367-042 Tool-Crib Attendant 222.367-062 Inventory Clerk 222.387-026 Stock Clerk 222.387-058 Supply Clerk 339.687-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Stock Clerks - Stockroom, Warehouse or Storage Yard 580230
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand