Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping Job Description, Career as a Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: High School Diploma

Salary: Median— $12.20 per hour

Employment Outlook: Fair

Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel perform clerical jobs. They keep accurate records of materials by documenting their weight, dimensions, quality and quantity. They may use automated data processing systems to record the characteristics of items they are responsible for. Sometimes, such functions are performed manually. Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel also check the condition of materials received or to be sent, and verify the accuracy of any previously recorded data about the items. They deal with invoices and receipts of received or sent items. Such personnel are also involved in preparing reports about inventory levels in warehouses of the organization.

Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel commonly use devices such as weight scales, tally sheets, and calculators to record necessary data about the items. They operate specialized scalehouse computers to record vital information regarding incoming shipments. They are also required to constantly monitor as well as clean work areas, such as collection sites and drop boxes, when required. Such personnel should also be acutely aware of the product quality of materials being sent or received. Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel possess the authority to cancel a shipment if it does not comply with specified quality standards.

Education and Training Requirements

Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel are required to have a high school diploma to be eligible for the job. Basic skills in arithmetic and statistics are required. People with previous experience in related fields are highly valued by employers. Since a lot of clerical work is involved in this profession, knowledge of filing and good computer skills are desired traits.

Workers should be able to control and operate a number of equipment or systems used for their work such as word processors, weighing machines, and measurement instruments. They are also required to have good writing and communicating skills.

Apart from educational and training requirements, weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel need to possess a certain level of manual dexterity. Their job profile also entails them to have the ability to identify and solve problems that may arise during their work.

Getting the Job

Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel are employed in a number of organizations. Job openings at various companies are listed in the classified section of daily newspapers, as well as employment journals. Vacancies and recruitment details can also be found in online employment portals.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Advancement possibilities for weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel depend upon the organization they are working in.

Though jobs are found in a number of industries, retail and manufacturing agencies employ the most weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel. Due to the rise in automation for such processes, there is a decline in employment opportunities in this occupation. However, job openings are expected to increase due to workers who retire or leave the workforce.

Working Conditions

Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel work in different environments. Some of them may be required to work in warehouses or stockrooms. Most areas of work for such professionals, such as shipping areas or receiving depots, are not temperature controlled. Those working in organizations dealing with perishable items are required to work in cold storage rooms as well.

Where to Go for More Information

Consumer Data Industry Association
1090 Vermont Ave. NW, Ste. 200
Washington, DC 20005-4905
(202) 371-0910
http://www.cdiaonline.org

ASM International
9639 Kinsman Road
Materials Park, OH 44073-0002
(440) 338-5151
http://www.asminternational.org/

United Steelworkers of America
Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 562-2400
http://www.uswa.org/

Earnings and Benefits

The median salary for weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel was $12.20 per hour as of May 2006. The salary ranges between $9.66 and $15.83. Weighers, measurers, checkers, samplers and recordkeeping personnel usually receive benefits like paid leaves and vacations. Uniforms, if necessary, are typically provided by employers.