Material Handler Jobs in Des Moines, IA

A Material Handler in the logistics industry plays a crucial role in managing the supply chain process. They are responsible for physically moving materials, both raw and finished, within a warehouse, factory, or retail environment, ensuring the right goods reach the right location at the right time. They also might be involved in the processing, packaging, and shipping of orders. Material Handlers are often required to operate machinery such as forklifts, maintain inventory records, and ensure workplace safety by adhering to proper handling procedures.

Some of the important skills a Material Handler should possess include physical stamina and strength, attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency in inventory software. Having a certification in forklift operation or a similar field can give a competitive edge. Prior to becoming a Material Handler, individuals might have roles such as Warehouse Associate, Package Handler, or Shipping and Receiving Clerk. These roles provide the opportunity to gain experience in handling materials, operating machinery, and understanding logistics operations.

1-15 of 72 Jobs

Material Handler, 3rd Shift

  • Des Moines, IA
  • 5 hours ago
  • Des Moines, IA
  • 5 hours ago

Material Handler, 3rd Shift Req #1748 Des Moines, IA, USA Job Description Posted Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM POSITION SUMMARY Operate powered industrial vehicles such as lift trucks, high lifts...

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

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

Material Handler - 8:30am to 4:30pm Req #1742 Des Moines, IA, USA Job Description Posted Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM POSITION SUMMARY Operate powered industrial vehicles such as lift trucks,...

Manufacturing - Material Handler

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

Manufacturing - Material Handler EFCO Corp....

General Warehouse Worker

  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 6 hours ago
  • Polk City, IA (14 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 6 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)
  • 10 hours ago
  • Ankeny, IA (8 miles from Des Moines, IA)
  • 10 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

They build and stage pallets of products for shipment and utilize an RF Scanner. All drivers operate stand up order picker lifts to complete their tasks....

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

Material handling experience, preferably in the building products industry. Ability to pass qualification testing for forklift operation. Why Work Here?...

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

Why Work for Saddle Creek? Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a...

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

Why Work for Saddle Creek? Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a...

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
5,491
Large

Material Handler 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.
Effective Questioning for Call Handlers
How an organisation handles phone calls can have a direct impact on its success - a badly handled call can mean limited information that might affect service delivery, customer satisfaction and...
Functional Polymeric Materials
Learn the functional polymers, including chemistry, physics, and biology. Polymers, typically plastics and fibers, are leading materials providing useful and inexpensive items for modern living....
Sorption and transport in cementitious materials
Learn how to study and improve the durability of cementitious materials. In the MOOC: Cement chemistry and sustainable cementitious materials; you learned how to create more sustainable...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Material Handler 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 Material Handler positions.



Highest Education Level

Material Handlers 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 Material Handlers in Des Moines, IA
2-4 years
44.1%
Less than 1 year
28.0%
None
23.7%
1-2 years
4.3%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



Material Handler Related Career Advice Articles

There are many options when choosing your logistics career path.
Everything You Need to Know to Begin Your Logistics Career Path

Considering a career in logistics? Find out how to find logistics jobs you’ll love and get your logistics career path started on the right foot.

Read article »
Military veteran standing in a warehouse and transitioning to a career in logistics
Leaving the Military? Consider a Job in Logistics

Many vets choose to enter the logistics field and it’s easy to see why: it presents the perfect opportunity to use many skills learned in the armed forces.

Read article »