Sortation Associate Jobs in Elmhurst, NY (NOW HIRING)

This is a player-coach role, and that framing is deliberate rather than decorative. The Sortation Lead sorts alongside the crew for the majority of the shift and runs the shift at the same time — setting the sort sequence, owning the countdown to dispense, and signing off on what leaves the building. They are not a supervisor who observes; they carry a scanner and move volume. At the smallest crew sizes they perform the sort single-handed. The role exists because a crew of two or three does not need a manager standing over it — it needs a working leader who is faster than everyone else, sets the pace by example, trains on the floor, and is JW Logistics’ accountable presence on a customer site.

Performs all duties of the Warehouse Sortation Associate for the majority of the shift — this is a working position, not an observing one — and in addition:

• Receive and validate the daily van and route plan against actual inbound volume at the start of the shift, and raise any mismatch immediately.
• Assign associates to sort lanes and set the sort sequence so that the earliest dispensing vans are staged first.
• Own the countdown to dispense. Escalate any risk to the window to JWL dispatch before it becomes a late loadout, not after.
• Verify final package counts by van and sign off on staging accuracy before each van is released.
• Own exception documentation for damages, shorts, overages, unmanifested freight, and misroutes, and ensure each is recorded the same day.
• Conduct the start-of-shift safety brief and equipment condition check, and record both.
• Manage crew attendance, break scheduling, and compliance with New Jersey meal and rest requirements.
• Provide first-line coaching, document performance concerns, and escalate to JWL Operations where formal action is required.
• Issue a written end-of-shift report to JWL operations covering volume handled, dispense performance, exceptions, and any open items.
• Serve as the direct interface with the Walmart depot lead during the shift, and represent JW Logistics professionally on the customer’s site.
• Initiate the call-out and coverage protocol when an associate is absent, and confirm fill or escalate within the committed window.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Two years or more of warehouse, parcel, or distribution operations experience, with demonstrated willingness
to work alongside the crew rather than direct it from a distance.
• At least one year in a lead, supervisory, or shift-ownership capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to run a timed outbound window against a fixed commitment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to write a shift report and to interface
with customer leadership.
• Working proficiency with scanning and warehouse management systems, and with basic reporting.
• Ability to pass JWL’s standard pre-employment screening.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the Warehouse Sortation Associate role, as this is a working
position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Prior experience in last-mile or parcel delivery operations.
• Prior experience as a supplier or contractor representative on a customer-controlled site.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• Existing OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Identical to the Warehouse Sortation Associate role. This is a player-coach position and the physical requirement
is not reduced by the leadership component.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull packages weighing up to fifty pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach overhead, and kneel for the duration of the shift.
• Work in a dock and warehouse environment that is not climate controlled.
• Work in proximity to moving vehicles, manual material handling equipment, and other personnel.
EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Manual pallet jack, hand cart, and roll cage.
• Handheld scanning device and the route or warehouse management application in use at the site.
• Basic reporting tools for the end-of-shift report.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification, provided by JW Logistics.
• Required personal protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest and safety footwear.