Behind every successful mining or gas project is a warehouse team that keeps the gears turning. From spare parts and tools to uniforms and safety gear, FIFO warehouse and inventory control staff ensure that everything the site needs is ready, counted, and accounted for.
In 2026, as Australia’s resource sector expands into new lithium, gas, and renewable projects, warehouse and inventory roles have become essential. These jobs combine logistics, data accuracy, and hands-on operations — perfect for people who thrive on organisation and teamwork in fast-paced environments.
1. What FIFO Warehouse and Inventory Control Roles Involve
A FIFO warehouse is the central hub of every remote project. It handles thousands of parts and materials, all of which must be tracked with precision to avoid delays or shutdowns.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive, inspect, and store incoming goods from freight or air transport.
- Pick and issue materials to maintenance, construction, and operations crews.
- Maintain digital stock records using ERP systems such as SAP, Pronto, or Oracle.
- Prepare outgoing shipments, ensuring packaging and load safety compliance.
- Conduct regular cycle counts and inventory audits.
- Coordinate with logistics and procurement teams to forecast supply needs.
- Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely.
- Enforce warehouse safety protocols and housekeeping standards.
Accuracy and consistency are everything. A single missing part can halt production, so warehouse professionals are trusted with high-value materials and strict accountability.
2. Where FIFO Warehouse Jobs Fit in the Industry
Warehouse and inventory teams support every stage of a project’s life cycle, from exploration to full-scale production.
| Sector | Example Employers | Typical Worksites |
|---|---|---|
| Mining & Resources | BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Glencore, South32 | Mine depots, maintenance stores, and laydown yards |
| Oil & Gas | Santos, Woodside, Chevron, INPEX | Onshore gas facilities, LNG plants, and pipeline hubs |
| Construction & Infrastructure | CPB Contractors, Thiess, Downer | Major construction camps and project warehouses |
| Facilities Management | Sodexo, Compass Group, Ventia | Camp service and supply storage facilities |
| Renewables | Neoen, AGL, APA Group | Solar, wind, and battery storage construction sites |
Warehouse teams form the bridge between procurement, logistics, and site operations — keeping the flow of equipment seamless and efficient.
3. Major FIFO Warehouse Locations in 2026
Western Australia
The largest concentration of FIFO warehouse roles is in the Pilbara, where massive mining depots near Port Hedland, Karratha, and Newman manage hundreds of shipments daily. The Goldfields and Mid West regions also employ warehouse coordinators for lithium, nickel, and gold projects.
Queensland
Warehouse and inventory teams are vital across the Bowen Basin (coal and mining supply depots) and Surat Basin (gas projects near Roma and Chinchilla).
Northern Territory
Darwin LNG and the Ichthys Project employ warehouse professionals for inventory control and dangerous goods storage.
South Australia
Olympic Dam and Prominent Hill operations rely on large-scale inventory systems for underground and surface supply.
New South Wales and Victoria
Renewable and infrastructure projects use FIFO rotations to manage mobile warehouses near Broken Hill, Bendigo, and Lithgow.
4. Required Qualifications and Training
Working in FIFO warehousing requires both technical skill and safety awareness. Many roles are open to people entering the FIFO industry for the first time, provided they have the right licences and mindset.
Essential
- Forklift Licence (LF).
- White Card (CPCWHS1001).
- Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30321) or equivalent.
- National Police Clearance and full pre-employment medical.
- Manual driver’s licence.
Recommended
- High-Risk Work Licence (LO or CN) for operating order pickers or cranes.
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) training.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- Experience with SAP, Pronto, or Oracle systems.
- Dangerous Goods Awareness training.
Core Skills
- Attention to detail and strong numerical accuracy.
- Safe handling of heavy equipment and loads.
- Time management and teamwork under tight schedules.
- Clear communication with procurement, logistics, and operations teams.
Warehouse operators are judged by reliability, efficiency, and consistency — three traits that make them invaluable to every FIFO project.
5. Pay, Conditions, and Rosters
Warehouse roles offer steady income, clear progression, and comfortable rosters compared to more physically demanding site jobs.
| Position | Hourly Rate | Annual Range | Typical Roster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storeperson / Warehouse Assistant | $38–$48 | $90,000–$110,000 | 8:6 or 14:7 |
| Inventory Controller | $50–$65 | $115,000–$135,000 | 2:1 |
| Senior Storeperson / Materials Coordinator | $65–$80 | $140,000–$160,000 | 2:1 or 3:1 |
| Warehouse Supervisor / Manager | $85–$100 | $165,000–$190,000 | 2:1 |
Accommodation, meals, flights, and uniforms are included in most contracts. Warehousing is considered one of the most stable FIFO career paths for workers seeking longevity and consistency.
6. A Day in the Life of a FIFO Warehouse Officer
Working in a FIFO warehouse blends structure with constant movement. Each day revolves around precision, planning, and teamwork.
Morning (5:30–7:00am):
Receive delivery schedules and verify stock arrivals. Conduct forklift inspections and review safety briefings.
Midday (10:00–2:00pm):
Unload shipments, inspect goods, and input data into the stock system. Pick and issue parts to technicians and project teams.
Afternoon (3:00–6:00pm):
Perform cycle counts, prepare outgoing freight, and reconcile materials issued against inventory. Update end-of-day reports and confirm next-day deliveries.
A warehouse officer’s success is measured by accuracy and speed — every part issued correctly keeps the site operating smoothly.
7. Leading Employers and Recruitment Pathways
Major mining and service companies rely on warehouse teams to maintain uninterrupted production.
- BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group, Glencore, South32 – internal warehouse operations for mine sites and workshops.
- Santos, Woodside, Chevron, INPEX – gas and LNG warehouse management.
- Thiess, CPB Contractors, Downer – construction and infrastructure material storage.
- Sodexo, Compass Group, Ventia, Morris Corp – camp service supply and logistics operations.
- Recruitment agencies: Chandler Macleod, CoreStaff, Stellar Recruitment, Brunel, Programmed.
Job titles include FIFO Storeperson, Warehouse Officer, Inventory Controller, and Materials Coordinator. Most positions are advertised on SEEK, Indeed, and company career portals.
8. Career Pathways and Progression
The warehouse is one of the best environments to learn the inner workings of FIFO logistics. With experience, warehouse professionals can move into higher-paying and more strategic roles.
Year 1–2: Warehouse Assistant or Storeperson – learn basic inventory systems, safety procedures, and freight management.
Year 3–5: Inventory Controller or Materials Coordinator – handle data systems, plan reorders, and support procurement teams.
Year 6–8: Warehouse Supervisor or Senior Controller – manage staff, safety, and site-wide supply operations.
Year 9–12: Logistics Superintendent or Supply Chain Manager – oversee multi-site inventory, vendor relationships, and budgets.
Study Options for Career Growth
- Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations (TLI40321).
- Diploma of Logistics (TLI50221).
- Leadership and Management Training (BSB40520).
Warehouse work is an ideal entry point into the broader world of FIFO logistics, leading to long-term stability and upward mobility.
9. Work Conditions and Lifestyle
Working in a FIFO warehouse means balancing structure and endurance. Conditions vary depending on project size, but all share the challenge of heat, dust, and physical activity in a remote setting.
Advantages
- Excellent entry pathway into FIFO without heavy trade qualifications.
- Strong job security with consistent hours and clear routines.
- Opportunities for career advancement and further training.
- Free flights, accommodation, meals, and uniforms.
Challenges
- Long roster swings and extended periods away from home.
- Hot, dusty, or noisy working environments.
- Repetitive lifting or forklift operation requiring physical stamina.
- Pressure to maintain perfect stock accuracy under tight deadlines.
Those who thrive are organised, alert, and methodical — people who take pride in efficiency and precision.
10. How to Start a FIFO Warehouse Career
Starting a warehouse role in FIFO is achievable with the right training and commitment to safety.
- Complete a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations or related qualification.
- Obtain a Forklift Licence (LF) and White Card.
- Pass a pre-employment medical and Police Clearance.
- Learn basic ERP software like SAP or Pronto.
- Apply for entry-level storeperson or warehouse assistant roles with major contractors.
- Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and strong communication from day one.
Within a few years, motivated workers can advance into materials coordination or inventory management roles with substantial pay increases.
Conclusion: The Organised Core of FIFO Operations
FIFO warehouse and inventory control professionals are the quiet force that keeps Australia’s largest projects running. They ensure that every bolt, filter, and safety helmet is exactly where it should be — on time, in stock, and ready for work.
For those who enjoy structure, teamwork, and precision, this career offers unmatched stability and opportunity. In a world where logistics can make or break a project, warehouse officers are the true guardians of operational efficiency.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Logistics and Materials Coordinator Jobs (2026 Guide)
- Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations Course Overview
- Diploma of Logistics (TLI50221) Career Pathways
- How to Get a FIFO Job Without Experience (2026 Guide)
