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Stock Clerks

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.