Behind every meal served, machine repaired, and shift completed on a mine site, there is a steady flow of supplies arriving from across the country. Everything from safety gloves to heavy machinery parts must be tracked, stored, and delivered on time. The people who keep that system running are the FIFO storepersons and warehouse staff.
Storepersons are the logistical heart of any remote operation. Without them, sites would grind to a halt. If you enjoy organisation, teamwork, and hands-on work with real responsibility, this is one of the most stable and respected entry or mid-level roles in FIFO life.
This 2025 guide explains what FIFO storeperson work involves, what qualifications you need, where the jobs are, what you can expect to earn, and how to move up into advanced logistics or supervisory positions.
1. What FIFO Storeperson Jobs Involve
FIFO storepersons work within the warehouse or logistics team on remote mining, oil, and construction sites. Their job is to receive, issue, and track materials that keep operations running smoothly. It is part warehouse work, part inventory management, and part field support.
Typical Duties
- Receiving deliveries and verifying quantities against purchase orders
- Storing materials, tools, and consumables safely and in correct locations
- Operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment
- Maintaining accurate stock records in warehouse management software
- Issuing parts and consumables to maintenance and production crews
- Conducting stocktakes and reporting shortages or damaged goods
- Coordinating outbound freight and transport documentation
- Maintaining housekeeping and compliance with safety procedures
- Liaising with supply chain coordinators, supervisors, and contractors
The work requires attention to detail, physical fitness, and reliability. You are handling expensive materials and essential equipment in environments where accuracy and timing matter.
2. Where FIFO Storeperson Jobs Are Based
Western Australia
- Pilbara Region: Karratha, Port Hedland, and Newman are major hubs for BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue. These operations have constant demand for skilled storepersons.
- Goldfields and Midwest: Kalgoorlie, Leinster, and Geraldton hire store and logistics staff for gold, nickel, and lithium projects.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Mines near Moranbah, Dysart, and Blackwater require warehousing teams to support mechanical and processing operations.
- Surat Basin: Gas projects around Roma and Chinchilla have large logistics hubs for pipe and mechanical parts.
South Australia and the Northern Territory
- Roxby Downs (Olympic Dam) and Darwin LNG sites frequently hire FIFO storepersons through logistics contractors.
Top Employers
- Sodexo
- Compass Group (ESS)
- Morris Corporation
- ISS Facility Services
- Cleanaway Logistics
- Toll Group
- Qube
- Kinetic Resources
These companies manage supply, storage, and camp operations across major mining and energy projects.
3. Required Qualifications and Skills
Mandatory Requirements
- Forklift Licence (LF Class): Absolutely essential for all warehouse operations.
- White Card (CPCWHS1001): Required for entry to construction and mining sites.
- Standard 11 Mining Induction: Needed for Queensland projects.
- National Police Clearance: Must be valid within the last 12 months.
- Pre-Employment Medical: Includes drug and alcohol testing and physical assessment.
Desirable Training
- Manual Handling and Hazardous Goods Awareness
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Working at Heights or Confined Space (if working in larger yards)
- Inventory Management Software Training (SAP, Pronto, or Mainpac)
Skills Employers Value
- Strong organisational ability
- Reliability and time management
- Basic computer literacy
- Communication and teamwork
- Attention to safety and accuracy
Storepersons who can manage both physical and digital inventory systems are particularly valuable.
4. Pay and Roster Expectations
Average Pay in 2025:
- Entry-level Storeperson: $36 to $42 per hour
- Experienced Warehouse Operator: $42 to $48 per hour
- Logistics or Warehouse Supervisor: $55 to $65 per hour
Annual Income Range: $90,000 to $120,000 including allowances and overtime
Common Rosters:
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off)
- 8:6 and 14:7 for large mine sites
- 10–12 hour shifts, typically split between warehouse and field duties
Most roles include return flights, meals, and accommodation covered by the employer.
5. A Typical Day in FIFO Warehousing
Morning
- Attend pre-start meeting with the logistics or maintenance team
- Check new deliveries and verify documentation
- Unload freight using forklifts or telehandlers
- Update inventory systems and prepare dispatch orders
Afternoon
- Issue parts to tradespeople and machine operators
- Conduct mid-shift stocktake or equipment checks
- Perform maintenance on storage areas and housekeeping tasks
- Complete reports for incoming and outgoing stock
End of Shift
- Lock up the warehouse, back up inventory data, and submit safety reports
- Attend debrief or handover with night-shift logistics staff
Every day is a mix of physical activity, administration, and coordination. You are part of the machine that keeps the mine running efficiently.
6. How to Apply for FIFO Storeperson Jobs
Step 1: Get the Right Tickets
- Forklift Licence (LF)
- White Card
- Standard 11 (for Queensland)
- Manual Handling
If you are new to warehousing, completing a Certificate II or III in Supply Chain Operations can also help your resume stand out.
Step 2: Build a FIFO-Ready Resume
Highlight your:
- Forklift experience
- Knowledge of warehouse systems or stock control
- Safety awareness and clean work record
- Reliability and teamwork
Step 3: Apply with Major Contractors
Start with:
- Sodexo Careers
- Compass Group / ESS Jobs
- Morris Corporation
- Cleanaway and Veolia
- Toll and Qube Logistics
Most roles are advertised on SEEK, Indeed, and CareerOne under “FIFO Storeperson” or “Warehouse Operator.”
Step 4: Pass Your Medical and Induction
Be prepared for a full medical and site induction, including safety training and fatigue awareness.
7. Career Pathways and Growth
A FIFO storeperson role can be the foundation of a long and well-paid logistics career.
Career Progression Examples
- Storeperson → Senior Warehouse Operator → Warehouse Supervisor
- Storeperson → Logistics Coordinator → Supply Chain Manager
- Storeperson → Procurement Assistant → Inventory Specialist
- Storeperson → Safety Representative → WHS Officer
Adding qualifications like G2 Risk Management, S123 Supervisor, or a Diploma in Logistics can move you into management or procurement roles.
Experienced FIFO storepersons often advance into full-time logistics management positions or move into site operations coordination.
8. Life as a FIFO Storeperson
Advantages
- Excellent pay and consistent demand across Australia
- Meals, flights, and accommodation included
- Structured schedules with regular time off
- Transferable skills across industries such as construction, ports, and energy
Challenges
- Physically demanding, especially with heavy lifting and outdoor work
- Long hours and early starts
- Working in heat, dust, or rain depending on site
- Strict safety and drug testing standards
The lifestyle requires discipline and organisation, but it also offers stability, growth, and the chance to work with large teams in major industrial projects.
9. Tips to Succeed in FIFO Warehousing
- Keep stock records accurate and up to date
- Communicate clearly with maintenance and supply teams
- Double-check load limits and forklift safety rules
- Keep the warehouse clean and compliant
- Stay hydrated and follow fatigue management practices
- Learn the names of suppliers and understand each department’s needs
- Volunteer for stocktakes and special projects to show initiative
Reliability is the most valued quality in FIFO logistics. A storeperson who can be trusted to handle high-value inventory correctly will always have steady work.
10. Ready to Begin? Here Is What to Do Next
- Obtain a Forklift Licence and White Card.
- Complete a Standard 11 Mining Induction (especially if targeting QLD sites).
- Update your resume highlighting logistics or warehouse experience.
- Apply through Sodexo, Compass Group, Cleanaway, or Toll Group.
- Prepare for a medical and safety induction.
- Be flexible for roster availability and travel.
Conclusion: The Organised Backbone of FIFO Operations
Storepersons are the quiet professionals who make sure every other worker on site can do their job. Without their organisation, safety focus, and efficiency, nothing moves and nothing gets built.
If you enjoy structure, teamwork, and the satisfaction of running a system that supports hundreds of people, a FIFO storeperson role is the perfect starting point. The experience you gain can open the door to logistics management, supply chain coordination, and even procurement or safety careers across Australia’s largest industries.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Bus Driver and Transport Roles (2025 Guide)
- FIFO Utility Worker Jobs: The All-Rounder Role Explained
- White Card Course for FIFO Workers
- G2 Risk Management for Supervisors
