Amazon today announced it is creating more than 5,000 new full-time jobs in its U.S. fulfillment network to meet growing customer demand. According to a press release, the fulfillment associates and lead fulfillment associate positions are in Amazon fulfillment centers in the states of Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
According to its careers site, Amazon’s fulfillment associates pick customer orders on all levels of a multi-level mezzanine, pack and ship customer orders and troubleshoot problems to resolution. Fulfillment associates are expected to understand all aspects of production; adhere to strict safety, quality, and production standards; and be willing and able to work on powered equipment.
Lead fulfillment associates focus on customer experience, quality, and the safety and productivity of their fellow warehouse associates. Lead fulfillment associates are responsible for performing production duties and assisting Area Managers with the daily management of the department.
Amazon said in the press release that median pay inside Amazon fulfillment centers is 30% higher than that of people who work in traditional retail stores—and that doesn’t even include the stock grants that full-time employees receive, which over the past five years have added an average of 9% to base pay annually.
Amazon is also currently hiring for more than 2,000 jobs across its customer service network, which include a mix of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Amazon customer service jobs include providing world-class customer service for Amazon’s millions of customers.
Customer service jobs are currently available at customer service centers in Kentucky, North Dakota, Washington and West Virginia.
Last week, Amazon said its net sales for the second quarter increased 22% to $15.70 billion, compared with $12.83 billion in second quarter 2012. Excluding the $392 million unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales grew 25% compared with second quarter 2012.
But its operating income decreased 26% to $79 million in the second quarter, compared with $107 million in second quarter 2012. The unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter on operating income was $18 million.
Amazon’s net loss was $7 million in the second quarter, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared with net income of $7 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in second quarter 2012.