Why We Love It
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$77,470Potential Avg. Salary
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1.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
A logistics job specialist is responsible for coordinating various activities such as monitoring the purchase of supplies and product distribution. He or she usually collaborates with vendors directly and oversees the functioning of other employees on the team.
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What is a Logistics Job Specialist?
Duties
Below are the main duties to be performed by logistics job specialists on a regular basis:
- Working closely with multiple departments at an organisation, to meet customer specifications, expand opportunities for marketing or sales and ensure efficient product distribution.
- Provide technical logistics support through the organisation of project management tools for planning, scheduling and assigning responsibilities through the financial year.
- Supervise the development and maintenance of logistics documentation like records of repair processes, submitted budget proposals, transition plans, life cycle management plans, etc.
- Participate and provide leadership in logistics discussions or meetings at the internal and external level, when needed.
- Execute other managerial tasks like the recruitment and training of employees in line with business objectives and goals.
Day In The Life
Logistics job specialists primarily spend their day taking the lead on shipping or receiving processes for assigned facilities, such as a distribution warehouse or freight facility. You would also be managing the effective functioning of the warehouse, with special attention to aspects like transportation scheduling and inventory storage. If there are any issues with product distribution, you will apply your problem-solving skills to improve its movement.
In addition, some logistics job specialists undertake statistical analysis to plan ahead for procedures that will increase cost-effectiveness and efficiency with regard to traffic flow. Depending on the role, you could be in charge of certain types of freight forwarding – hazardous or heavyweight cargoes; distributing specific quantities of a product to several locations; handling international shipments across borders. For the latter, a clear understanding of international regulations in this regard is very advantageous.
Work Schedule
A logistics job specialist typically works in a standard, comfortable office environment where the noise levels could be low or moderate. On occasion, you may also have to work from a warehouse space with loud and distracting noise levels. The work is rarely physically demanding but you may have to lend assistance with loading and unloading shipments, in extreme or inclement weather. Work temperature will vary between 60 to 90 degrees, but may reach up to 90 degrees.
Growth Of The Job
Job growth in this industry between 2014-2024 is expected to be around 2%, as this is a narrow field of expertise. Eventually, logistics job specialists can take on managerial roles with sufficient experience – e.g. as managers for labor, operations, transportation, distribution, and supply.
Alternative career paths you can explore besides that of a logistics job specialist, include roles such as cost estimator or management analyst. A cost estimator is responsible for analyzing market variables to determine the type of resources needed for building a successful product or service. A management analyst works to improve the effectiveness of an organisation by evaluating ways to increase overall profits. For either career option, you will need to at least possess a bachelor’s degree, similar to a logistics job specialist.
Typical Employers
Logistics job specialists are recruited by Internal logistics departments of private companies, and by firms providing third-party logistics services. For instance, employers currently hiring for such roles include Lockheed Martin, Cellular Dynamics, American Airlines, NetCentrics Corporation, Kroger Logistics, Union Pacific among others.
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How To Become a Logistics Job Specialist
Interested candidates for logistics job specialist positions must hold a degree in related subjects such as inventory supervision, transportation, operations management and supply chain management. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) mentions that an associate’s degree is sufficient for individuals that have significant experience in the logistics industry. However, if you are just starting out, a bachelor’s degree is beneficial since the demands of the role are expected to become increasingly complex in the future. To advance your career and have an edge in the market, you may have to pursue additional qualifications or on-the-job training.
In particular, logistics job specialists must display superior skills in mathematics, especially calculus and data analysis; electronics and computer systems. Other valuable skills include problem solving, crisis management, attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to unpredictable situations. Since the role requires frequent interactions with various personnel and external vendors, you must cultivate an approachable personality and articulate yourself well in the corporate environment.
Logistics Job Specialist Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$57,890Average
$77,470High Range
$115,960National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$28/hrAverage
$37/hrHigh Range
$56/hrHow do Logistics Job Specialist salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Logistics Job Specialist's can make an average annual salary of $77,470, or $37 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $57,890 or $28 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#152 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Logistics Job Specialists
- 1% Doctorate
- 10% Masters
- 33.3% Bachelors
- 11.3% Associates
- 27.5% College
- 15.3% High School
- 1.4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
130,4002024 Est. Jobs
132,900Job Growth Rate
1.9%Est. New Jobs
2,500How does Logistics Job Specialist job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 2,500 jobs for a total of 132,900 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 1.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#553 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Logistics Job Specialists
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 28,500 | -2,800 | -3% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 11,600 | 600 | 1% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 10,100 | 2,800 | 3% |
