In a bit of refreshing news, Amazon.com Inc has announced it is adding 7,000 jobs across 13 states to strengthen the company’s order-fulfillment infrastructure. At least 5,000 full-time jobs would be at U.S. distribution centers of the company. Currently the distribution centers have about 20,000 workers and the new jobs represent a full twenty five increase in current staffing levels.
On Monday’s press release, Amazon said the new fulfillment associates and lead fulfillment associate positions would be available in Amazon fulfillment centers in the states of Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Even though some people seem to be criticizing that what Amazon is offering are essentially warehouse jobs, Amazon’s press release mentioned that the median pay in Amazon fulfillment centers is 30 percent higher than people working in traditional retail stores – and that difference is excluding the stock grants received by full-time employees. Over the past five years, full-time employees have added an average of 9 percent to base pay annually by stock grants.
Fulfillment associates in Amazon, according to its careers site, pick customer orders on all levels of a multi-level mezzanine, pack and ship orders, and troubleshoot problems. They learn and understand all aspects of the operations, adhere to strict safety, quality, and production standards and are able to work on powered equipment.
Lead fulfillment associates at Amazon are responsible for performing production duties, assisting Area managers and helping in the daily management of the department.
Customer service jobs are currently open at customer service centers in Kentucky, North Dakota, Washington and West Virginia. Amazon would be hiring at least 2,000 workers on customer service jobs.
Amazon had announced last week that its net sales for the second quarter had increased by 22 percent compared to the 2nd quarter in 2012. Net sales in the same time period grew by 25 percent.
According to the White House, President Barak Obama is scheduled to visit Amazon’s Chattanooga facility on Tuesday.
