Job analysis of True Value departments through undercover investigation

Job Analysis/Description

The CEO and president of "True Value" (among the world's biggest hardware cooperatives), John Hartman, resorts to his individual undercover talents from back when he was an federal agent to evaluate/investigate the condition of his workers and company (Undercover Boss S6 E1 -- True Value2014). During the course of his "investigation," he uncovers unprofessional pickup artist antics by one of his workers which shocked him. Working in disguise as "Louis Lapresi," Hartman takes on several jobs in different departments of his firm to get a closer perspective, including working as a forklift driver, retail sales associate, and as a receiver in one of the firm's distribution centers (CBS, 2014).

Job Overview

Forklift operators

The forklift operators move goods in forklifts around sites such as factories, storage yards, construction sites, and warehouses. The forklift has a hydraulic lifting system, and has forks for carrying heavy goods. It may seem easy doing this kind of work; however the work can be quite tediously repetitive and thus tiring. Driving a forklift is not just stepping on gas pedals and driving around. It requires concentration for long periods and definitely involves a lot of hard work. The forklift cannot lift everything and so one may have to carry heavy objects, bend forward, kneel, or crouch in awkward, difficult positions. Working a forklift is classified as a hazardous occupation. The job is prone to accidents repeatedly as the case is with any big machine. However, accidents can be avoided by taking appropriate safety measures and operational procedures. One also needs to be always on the lookout and aware of their settings so as to ensure their own safety as well as that of their co-workers (Forklift Driver Job Description, n.d).

The forklift operator will be in charge of the movement of received products, inter-warehouse transfers and outbound items in a way that satisfies the industry's quality, accuracy, productivity and safety standards. One is charged with the mandate of processing and assisting all outbound and/or inbound, picking, packing, stocking and other warehouse functions. He or she should also be able to assist in ensuring inventory accuracy and informing management of any mismatches. A forklift operator to improve the inventory outcomes also performs stock alignments when necessary. The operator can also be assigned to grounds keeping and to make sure the trash is collected and discarded properly to make the warehouse clean and attractive to the employees and customers as well. Qualifications that are required for one to be employed as a forklift include: a valid driving license, a clean background and he or she must also pass drug tests. The driver should also have a professional appearance, attitude, and excellent written and verbal communication skills (Warehouse Worker/Forklift Operator, 2014).

Sales Associate

A retail sales associate essentially works towards making sales for the company. He or she can work in any production business ranging from selling shoes to selling houses. A salesperson needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the goods they are selling, should be customer-oriented and also sales-oriented. The associates found in the retail sector are often the first individuals that clients meet when they step into the store. A long-term connection is expected to be built with the clients in order to attain sales targets and to represent the store in a way that will ensure business continuity. The retail sales associates also have a duty to help customers make choices, assist them to find the right goods, and, give them information about the product they want. In some organizations, a retail sales associate has to handle cash register operations to complete a sale. The responsibility of a retail sales associate does not end at this point; these persons also have a responsibility to order stock, maintain stock shelves, and manage inventory. They are expected to do pricing of products and updating of the shelves when new items arrive or incorporate changes whenever the price of a product changes (Retail Sales Associate Job Description for Resume, 2014; Sirgy, 2014).

I used different information sources that are frequently better method of doing a job analysis such as the one in this study. This has been done by collecting information from respondents and scholarly sources.

Job description

Roles and the responsibilities

As a forklift operator, one is charged with the mandate of processing and assisting all outbound and/or inbound, picking, packing, stocking and other warehouse functions. He or she should also be able to assist in ensuring inventory accuracy and informing management of any mismatches.

Primary duties:

Processing and helping all outbound and/or inbound, picking, packing, stocking and other warehouse functions.

Accurate preparation of shipping orders to meet shipping deadlines and to process order according to regulatory requirements.

Assist in ensuring inventory accuracy and informing management of any mismatches.

Assist in stock alignments as required to improve the inventory outcomes (American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2007).

Workplace requirements:

A valid driving license and a clean background

Must also pass drug tests

Have a professional appearance and attitude and Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education:

High School Diploma or its equivalent.

Experience:

Minimum of three years of handling warehouse material. Those with experience in customer service will be at an advantage (Warehouse Worker/Forklift Operator, 2014).

This job analysis has delved into all the prerequisite work qualifications that one needs to work as a forklift operator, their importance and their difficulty level. These qualifications or conducts that are required are necessary if one's performance at a job is to be deemed professional or a success. Work product and its analysis have been discussed as required. The significance of work conduct and associated tasks have also been identified and analyzed.