Forklift Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA

A Forklift Operator plays a crucial role in the logistics industry, ensuring the efficient management of goods in warehouses and distribution centers. Their primary responsibilities include loading and unloading cargo, moving goods stored on pallets or in crates around the storage facility, stacking goods in the correct storage bays, and following inventory control instructions. They also check loads for accuracy and damages, ensuring that the correct products are delivered to the right location. To ensure safety, forklift operators are required to perform regular machine checks and adhere to safety regulations.

Important skills for a Forklift Operator include good hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to adhere to safety guidelines. As the work involves lifting heavy goods and operating machinery, forklift operators must be comfortable with physical work and have a high level of mechanical aptitude. They should also have a good understanding of warehouse processes and inventory control. Certifications in forklift operation are critical, with OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) forklift certification being a common requirement. Prior to becoming a Forklift Operator, a person may have roles such as a Warehouse Associate, Delivery Driver, or Material Handler.

1-15 of 72 Jobs

Material Handler, 3rd Shift

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 6 hours ago

, crates, and boxes are correctly labeled and identified Operate pallet wrapper and floor scale Route and deliver goods to proper areas within the plant Sweep up debris on the floors as needed Stage...

Material Handler - 8:30am to 4:30pm

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 6 hours ago

, crates, and boxes are correctly labeled and identified Operate pallet wrapper and floor scale Route and deliver goods to proper areas within the plant Sweep up debris on the floors as needed Stage...

Manufacturing - Material Handler

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 7 hours ago

Operate material handling equipment. 8. Clean and maintain work area on daily basis. 9. Perform routine preventative maintenance. 10....

General Warehouse Worker

  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 hours ago
  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 7 hours ago

13-Jun-2025 General Warehouse Worker Part time Occasional-Seasonal (Seasonal) Job Description As a General Warehouse Worker, you'll help us get the latest tech to our customers across the country....

Package Handler/Parker - Des Moines, IA

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 10 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 10 hours ago

Spee Dee Delivery is a family owned and operated company that was started in 1978 by Donald and Sylvia Weeres. Our core business is in standard, next-day, ground delivery. The corporate...

PT Warehouse Selector

  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 11 hours ago
  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 11 hours ago

Selects product for shipment by safely operating stand-up rider pallet jack and utilizes a voice activated unit (VAU) directing the employee to the correct pick slot....

Forklift Operator

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 1 day ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 1 day ago

Forklift Operator Colony Brands Inc....

Order Picker

  • Grimes, IA (11 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Grimes, IA (11 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago

jack to move product throughout warehouse - Assist with loading and unloading of trucks when needed Requirements for Order Picker: - Able to stand/walk for duration of 8-hour shift - Able to lift up...

Forklift Operator

  • Adel, IA (22 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Adel, IA (22 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago

Forklift Operator Job Description We are seeking an experienced Forklift Operator to join our team in a dynamic brick manufacturing environment....

Forklift Operator - 1st shift

  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago

Schedule Monday - Wednesday (E/O Thursday) 6:00AM - 6:00PM Summary Forklift Operators are responsible for loading, unloading, sorting, staging and transporting products into and out of a warehouse....

Forklift Operator - 3rd Shift

  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 1 day ago

Shift: Sunday-Thursday 11:00pm-7:30am Summary Forklift Operators are responsible for loading, unloading, sorting, staging and transporting products into and out of a warehouse....

Warehouse Specialist

  • Waukee, IA (13 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 2 days ago
  • Waukee, IA (13 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 2 days ago

Position Criteria: High School education or equivalent, required 2-3 years warehouse experience, required Forklift certification required or willing to obtain Performance Criteria: Move...

General Warehouse Worker 2nd Shift - 3pm Start

  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 3 days ago
  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 3 days ago

10-Jun-2025 General Warehouse Worker * 2nd Shift - 3pm Start* Full time Regular Job Description As a General Warehouse Worker, you'll help us get the latest tech to our customers across the...

Warehouse Picker Order Selector

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 days ago

This position could utilize the following equipment: Electronic Pallet Jack - Walkie Rider - Voice Audio Headset - Shrink Wrap This position could include: Hand Stacking - EPJ - Pallet Jacks - Voice...

Part-Time Package Handler - Des Moines, IA

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 3 days ago

Spee Dee Delivery is a family owned and operated company that was started in 1978 by Donald and Sylvia Weeres. Our core business is in standard, next-day, ground delivery. The corporate...

Demographic Data for Des Moines, IA

Moving to Des Moines, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Des Moines, IA below.


Local
National
221,891
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Forklift Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireLogistics curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Forklift Operator Safety: Forklift Operation (Course)
This course provides comprehensive training on forklift operation, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and proper maintenance procedures. Participants will learn the key components of a forklift, such...
Forklift Operator Training
Forklifts are extensively used in warehouses, construction sites and distribution centres for lifting and moving heavy objects. This course will introduce you to forklift operation. Youll learn...
Forklift Operator Safety: Forklift Certification (Course)
This course provides comprehensive training for forklift operators, emphasizing the critical importance of safety and proficiency in handling these essential tools in industrial settings....

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Salary for Forklift Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireLogistics research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Forklift Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Forklift Operators in Des Moines, IA offer the following education background
High School or GED
48.6%
Bachelor's Degree
16.9%
Vocational Degree or Certification
14.9%
Associate's Degree
11.5%
Master's Degree
3.9%
Some College
2.3%
Some High School
1.5%
Doctorate Degree
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Forklift Operators in Des Moines, IA
2-4 years
44.1%
Less than 1 year
28.0%
None
23.7%
1-2 years
4.3%


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