Helper Packing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Packaging Line Worker supports high-volume production by hand packing bottles, moving boxed product through taping equipment, and maintaining a steady flow of materials on the packaging line. This role requires consistent lifting, careful handling of products to protect quality, and clear communication with team members and warehouse staff to keep operations running smoothly.

• Hand pack bottles of product according to established procedures and quality standards.
• Push packed boxes through the taping machine and ensure cartons are properly sealed.
• Lift and move items up to 20 lbs consistently throughout the shift to support production flow.
• Dump empty bottles into the hopper at the front of the line to keep the line supplied with materials.
• Use walkie-talkies to communicate with team members and request additional product when needed.
• Utilize technology and RF scanners to identify the correct pick areas and materials to work on.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to notify them when a line is finished and ready for the next task.
• Carefully handle all product to maintain quality standards and minimize damage or waste.
• Perform order picking and packing tasks as assigned to support overall material handling operations.
• Operate or assist with palletizing and use pallet jacks to move pallets and materials safely.
• Support inventory activities by scanning, tracking, and organizing materials as directed.
• Follow all safety guidelines while working around moving mechanical parts and motorized vehicles.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area on and around the packaging line.

• Experience with hand packing bottles or similar packaging tasks in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 lbs consistently throughout the shift.
• Order picking and packing experience, including accurate selection and handling of product.
• Material handling skills, including working with pallets, cartons, and bulk materials.
• Experience using RF scanners to identify pick areas and track inventory or product movement.
• Ability to operate or use pallet jacks safely to move materials within the facility.
• Clear verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members via walkie-talkie.
• Attention to detail when handling product to ensure quality standards are met.
• Ability to work safely around moving mechanical parts, air-borne particles, and motorized vehicles.

• Comfort working in a manufacturing plant environment with strong spice odors and air-borne particles.
• Willingness to work a 2nd shift schedule from approximately mid-afternoon to early morning.
• Ability to follow on-site training and learn how to use tooling, operate, and help set up equipment and machinery.
• Reliability in attendance and consistent production performance to be considered for internal conversion.
• Willingness to follow union work rules and procedures in a unionized environment.

Employees start in a contract-based role with a clear path to internal conversion for those who demonstrate strong attendance and production performance. The organization provides union support and benefits, structured on-site training tailored to the job, and unique perks such as monthly access to a spice room where employees can fill a grocery bag with spices for a low cost. After one year of service, employees automatically receive a 10% pay increase, reflecting a commitment to rewarding long-term contribution and growth.

This role is based in a manufacturing plant environment that includes working around moving mechanical parts, air-borne spice particles, and motorized vehicles. There is a strong spice smell in and around the facility, which employees typically stop noticing after about a week of working on site. The position operates on a 2nd shift schedule, generally from 3:15 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., requiring comfort with extended evening and overnight hours. Employees use RF scanners, walkie-talkies, pallet jacks, and packaging equipment such as taping machines and hoppers. The environment emphasizes safety, proper handling of materials, and adherence to plant procedures while working on and around the packaging line.

This is a Contract position based out of Ankeny, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.75 - $18.75/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.