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Goodwill Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Retail Shift Leader

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Full-Time Shift Leader to assist with operations management and training donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours ...

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Retail Shift Leader

Waukee, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for a Full-Time Shift Leader to assist with operations management and training donated-goods retail employees with our values of love, kindness, and respect. Hours ...

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See Iowa salary details

$40.9K

$80.9K

$115.5K

How much do goodwill jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for goodwill in Iowa is $80,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Goodwill Retail Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Goodwill Retail Associate, you need basic retail knowledge, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and basic cash handling is important. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and adaptability help associates stand out in a dynamic retail environment. These skills ensure efficient store operations, positive customer experiences, and successful achievement of Goodwill’s mission.

What does Goodwill not take for donations?

Goodwill typically does not accept hazardous materials, large appliances, furniture with stains or damage, or items that are broken or unsafe. They also do not accept used mattresses, car seats, or items that do not meet safety standards. Donors should ensure items are clean and in good condition before donating.

Does Goodwill wash clothes before putting them out?

Goodwill employees typically do not wash clothing before putting it out for sale. Items are usually sorted, inspected, and priced, but washing is generally not part of the process unless specified or requested. Workers may clean or spot-treat items if necessary, depending on store policies and available resources.

What are Goodwill employees and what do they do?

Goodwill employees work for Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people facing challenges to finding employment. Employees may work in retail stores, donation centers, warehouses, or administrative offices. Their roles can include sorting donations, assisting customers, running cash registers, managing inventory, or supporting job training programs. Goodwill aims to create employment opportunities and strengthen communities through the power of work.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for employees working at Goodwill stores?

Employees at Goodwill stores often have clear paths for career growth, starting with entry-level retail positions and progressing to supervisory or management roles. Goodwill is known for promoting from within and offers training programs to help employees develop leadership and operational skills. Many team members advance to roles such as shift leader, assistant manager, and store manager, while others may transition into specialized positions in logistics, human resources, or vocational training. The organization values dedication and a strong work ethic, making it a supportive environment for professional development.

What do they mean by Goodwill?

In a job context, Goodwill typically refers to the nonprofit organization that operates thrift stores and provides job training and employment services. Working for Goodwill may involve retail, customer service, or warehouse tasks, often requiring teamwork and basic skills. The term can also refer to the positive reputation or value a company has beyond its tangible assets, but in employment, it most commonly relates to the organization itself.

Is Goodwill a good place to donate books?

Goodwill is a reputable organization that accepts book donations to support its job training and community programs. Donating books to Goodwill helps fund their services and provides affordable items to the community. It is a common and convenient option for donating used books.

What is the difference between Goodwill vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwillRetail Associate
Primary RoleNonprofit thrift store operator, focusing on donations and community servicesSales and customer service in retail stores
Required SkillsCustomer service, donation processing, basic merchandisingCustomer service, sales, inventory management
Work EnvironmentThrift stores, donation centers, community programsRetail stores, shopping floors
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

Goodwill and Retail Associate roles both involve customer service and retail work, but Goodwill operates as a nonprofit organization focusing on donations and community programs, while Retail Associates work in for-profit retail stores primarily handling sales and merchandising.

What are the most commonly searched types of Goodwill jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Goodwill jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Goodwill jobs in Iowa? For Goodwill jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Goodwill jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Goodwill job openings:
Goodwill jobs near you
Donation Associate - SC Main

Donation Associate - SC Main

Goodwill of the Great Plains

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago

Job description


We are seeking a Donation Associate to become an important part of our team! In this position you will help provide exceptional customer service while receiving donated merchandise and doing initial presort of those materials.

Position Type: Full-Time

Wages: $15.00 hourly

In accordance with the Goodwill of the Great Plains mission, we are committed to providing a competitive total compensation package, including salary and benefits, that will attract, retain, and reward high performing employees who share a passion for transforming lives through the dignity of work. Goodwill of the Great Plains strives to make employee compensation performance-based, competitive to organizations with similar missions, and commensurate for the individual’s level of responsibility

Responsibilities:

  • Accept donations from the public in a respectful, courteous, safe, and efficient manner.
  • Provide excellent customer service, including thanking each donor and offering to fill out donation receipts.
  • Follow store protocol for accepting donated items. Inform donors when we cannot accept their item and suggest alternatives. Follow safety protocols for loading and unloading items.
  • Presort donated materials and move to assigned areas
  • Load and unload materials by hand, pallet jack, hand truck or forklift after Goodwill forklift certification is attained, as assigned
  • Push or pull carts, racks and/or crates to and from dock area, dump areas, storage areas, and production or retail areas
  • Price, sort, test, and hang donated materials as needed

Qualifications:

  • Ability to learn how to safely operate pallet jack and/or forklift
  • High school graduate/GED preferred, but not required.

While the benefits are great, Goodwill’s mission is really at the heart of all we do. When you join the Goodwill team you are not just joining the company, you are becoming part of our family. You could be eligible for a Personal Day, Birthday Day Off, and 6 Paid Holidays upon hire. With eligibility for Health Dental, and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment. See more benefit details on the careers tab at www.goodwillgreatplains.org. Apply today to become a part of something great!

Goodwill of the Great Plains provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.