Forklift Operator And Material Handler

Forklift Operator & Material Handler

Join a dynamic production team as a Forklift & Material Handler, operating and supporting a pack line that processes product from start to finish. You will work with production machinery, handle powders and materials, operate scales, and assist with packaging and palletizing in a physically demanding, dusty, non-temperature-controlled chemical manufacturing environment. This is a fully on-site, contract-to-hire role in Des Moines, Iowa, with significant hands-on responsibilities and exposure to both line work and forklift operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate pack line machinery that processes product from the start to the end, ensuring smooth and efficient production flow.
• Monitor product as it is loaded into bags, checking for accuracy, quality, and consistency throughout the process.
• Operate scales to verify and maintain proper product weight in each bag according to specifications.
• Manually seal bags, ensuring secure closure and adherence to packaging standards.
• Palletize finished material safely and efficiently, stacking and arranging products for storage and shipment.
• Ensure proper labeling of all packaged products, verifying that labels are accurate, legible, and compliant with requirements.
• Handle powders and other materials, including dumping or pumping corrosive liquid and dry materials into tanks as directed.
• Perform general production duties such as packaging, scale operation, material handling, and heavy lifting as part of daily tasks.
• Work on the production line approximately 60% of the time, assisting teammates and supporting various line functions as needed.
• Operate a forklift approximately 40% of the time, moving materials, products, and pallets safely within the facility.
• Adapt to seasonal workload changes, including spending most of the time on the forklift during busy seasons.
• Follow written and verbal instructions in English to complete tasks accurately and safely.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure product quality, correct weights, and accurate labeling.
• Support and assist coworkers on the line, contributing to a cooperative, team-oriented environment.
• Comply with all safety procedures and guidelines, particularly when working around chemicals, powders, dust, and fumes.
• Lift and move materials weighing at least 50 pounds regularly as part of daily responsibilities.
• Remain flexible and productive in an environment where some days are slow and others are extremely busy, often requiring overtime.
• Participate in contract-to-hire requirements by demonstrating reliability, strong work ethic, and consistent performance over the assignment duration.

Essential Skills

• General production experience with familiarity in working on a pack line or similar manufacturing environment.
• Machine operation skills, including operating production equipment and scales for packaging and weighing products.
• Material handling experience, including lifting, moving, and staging materials for production and packaging.
• At least 2 years of forklift experience, with the ability to operate a forklift safely and efficiently in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to handle physically demanding tasks, including lifting at least 50 pounds regularly and performing repetitive motions.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate weights, proper labeling, and consistent product quality.
• Adaptability to varying workloads, including transitions between slower periods and very busy seasons.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English accurately and consistently.
• Comfort working in non-temperature-controlled environments that may be dusty and have strong chemical fumes.
• Willingness to work significant overtime when needed, especially during peak production seasons.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2+ years of production or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in landscaping, construction, detasseling corn, or farm work is highly relevant due to similar physical and environmental demands.
• Experience with packaging operations, including bagging, sealing, and palletizing products.
• Strong teamwork mindset and willingness to assist anyone on the line to keep production moving.
• Comfort working with powders, corrosive liquids, and dry materials in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Ability to remain reliable and dependable in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating workloads.
• Openness to a contract-to-hire arrangement with a 480-hour assignment duration.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established manufacturing operation that has delivered formulation and packaging solutions for decades and continues to grow, particularly at the Des Moines site where multiple new buildings have been added in recent years. The culture emphasizes a family-like atmosphere, even within a national organization, and is guided by core values of responsiveness, positive attitude, proactive behavior, integrity, dependability, and safety. The workplace is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where employees feel safe, valued, and supported in their success. Team members benefit from strong camaraderie, opportunities for overtime, and a clear pathway from contract-to-hire for those who demonstrate dedication and strong performance.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site role based in Des Moines, Iowa, working in a chemical manufacturing facility. The environment is dusty and non-temperature-controlled, so temperatures can vary significantly with the seasons. The plant manufactures chemicals, and there can be strong fumes within the facility, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures and use of appropriate protective equipment. The position is on 2nd shift, typically 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The busy season runs from December through May, during which longer days and extended hours are common, and the team often works substantial overtime. During peak periods, the role may involve working on the forklift almost full-time. The Mill Team consists of about eight people, and workloads can fluctuate from slower days to extremely busy days. Uniforms and shoe protection are provided, contributing to a consistent and safe dress code. The work is physically demanding, with regular heavy lifting and hands-on tasks in an industrial setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.75/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.