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Packing Associate Jobs in Altoona, IA (NOW HIRING)

... other associates to improve equipment reliability. * For example, the Maintenance Technician ... At least 2 years of experience in manufacturing, packing and processing machine equipment repairs ...

Warehouse Associate/Receiver, Animal Health Our Grimes , IA location is seeking a DC Team Member ... Compares items to vendor packing slip/customer return note/transfer document; receives-in products ...

Warehouse Associate/Receiver, Animal Health Our Grimes , IA location is seeking a DC Team Member ... Compares items to vendor packing slip/customer return note/transfer document; receives-in products ...

Showing results 41-44

Packing Associate information

See Altoona, IA salary details

$10

$19

$31

How much do packing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for packing associate in Altoona, IA is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packing associate?

Packing Associates are workers responsible for preparing products for shipment in warehouses, distribution centers, or manufacturing facilities. Their duties typically include sorting, labeling, packing items into boxes, inspecting products for damage, and ensuring orders are complete and accurate. They may also use packing materials to protect goods during transit and operate equipment such as tape dispensers or pallet jacks. Packing Associates play a crucial role in ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly and in good condition.

What are some common challenges packing associates face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Packing Associates often work in fast-paced environments where meeting daily quotas and maintaining accuracy are crucial. Common challenges include repetitive tasks leading to physical fatigue, handling high volumes during peak seasons, and ensuring packages are correctly labeled and undamaged. These can be managed by following proper ergonomic practices, taking scheduled breaks, and collaborating with team members to balance workloads. Open communication with supervisors about workflow or equipment concerns also helps maintain efficiency and reduce stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packing Associate, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, basic math skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and packaging equipment is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and reliability help individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure orders are packed accurately and efficiently, maintaining product quality and meeting shipping deadlines.

What is the difference between Packing Associate vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectPacking AssociateWarehouse Worker
Primary RoleAssembles, packs, and prepares products for shipmentHandles inventory, receives, and moves goods within the warehouse
Skills & CertificationsAttention to detail, basic math, packaging skillsForklift operation, inventory management, physical stamina
Work EnvironmentIndoor, assembly lines, packing stationsIndoor/outdoor, storage areas, loading docks
Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logisticsDistribution centers, warehouses, logistics companies

While both roles are essential in logistics and warehousing, a Packing Associate primarily focuses on preparing products for shipment by packing and labeling, whereas a Warehouse Worker handles broader tasks like inventory management and moving goods within the warehouse. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

How much does a packing associate get paid?

The average hourly pay for a packing associate typically ranges from $10 to $15, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay, especially in warehouse environments that require physical stamina and attention to detail.

What job categories do people searching Packing Associate jobs in Altoona, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Packing Associate jobs in Altoona, IA are:

What cities near Altoona, IA are hiring for Packing Associate jobs?

Cities near Altoona, IA with the most Packing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Packing Associate job openings in Altoona, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,853 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Maintenance Technician-Burke

Hormel Foods

Nevada, IA • On-site

$27 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Hormel Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


Shift: 2nd, 3/2/2 schedule.
Schedules: 6pm to 6am
Pay rate: $27.00 to 38.00 (based on experience) +$1.00 Shift Differential
Relocation assistance available. (Must live 50+ miles from Nevada)
$500 sign-on bonus and $500 bonus after 60 days of employment!
The primary role of the Maintenance Technician is to continuously improve the reliability, efficiency, and utilization of plant equipment and manufacturing processes. This is accomplished by utilizing mechanical and electrical expertise in the precise installation, maintenance, and repair of plant systems and equipment followed by concise and accurate documentation of all activities and observations. Knows and follows HACCP program and principles, USDA guidelines, and Good Manufacturing Practices
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Apply maintenance skills and knowledge to install, maintain, and repair plant systems and equipment.
    • For example, the Maintenance Technician will maintain and share expert knowledge of maintenance and operation methods for manufacturing equipment. Will utilize training, technical expertise, and reliability methods to troubleshoot and formulate solutions to asset and process related deficiencies. The incumbent must be capable of disassembly and reassembly of equipment in order to repair, replace, adjust, clean, lubricate and align equipment components.
  • Initiate and perform condition monitoring tasks including preventive and predictive maintenance.
    • For example, utilizes the Company's Maintenance Management System and supports its use as a key management information tool for preventative/predictive maintenance.
  • Troubleshoot equipment failures to ascertain possible failure modes and participate with operations, plant engineering, suppliers, and other associates to improve equipment reliability.
    • For example, the Maintenance Technician confers with operators and observes, tests, and evaluates equipment operation to diagnose malfunctions. Uses maintenance expertise, analytical troubleshooting and root cause failure analysis to recommend and implement corrective system improvements. This will include the examination of parts for defects such as breakage or excessive wear.
  • Provide direction and training for less skilled maintenance personnel and machine operators.
    • For example, the Maintenance Technician will teach and lead less trained technicians and operators in the operation, proactive maintenance, and troubleshooting of plant equipment.
  • Will be required to work with and develop equipment and ideas deemed to be confidential information and/or trade secrets owned by the company. This person will be required to protect the company's rights in and ownership of those trade secrets and confidential information.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At least 2 years of experience in manufacturing, packing and processing machine equipment repairs or other mechanical equipment maintenance.
  • Specific skills required include electrical troubleshooting, motor control circuit knowledge, the ability to read and understand ladder logic & wiring schematics, an understanding of device networking, and some proficiency with PLC processors.
  • Must be proficient in the following skills and possess a working knowledge with: Mechanical devises and power transmissions, gearboxes, pumps electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, plumbing, welding. Shop equipment and power hand tools.
  • Must be mechanically and electrically-oriented, a team player, self-motivated, and driven to make process improvements daily, willing to work evenings, weekends, and overtime as required.
  • Must possess manual dexterity, good communication skills, and the ability to read, write, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
  • Must be able to follow instructions and demonstrate dependable attendance.
  • Able to work with raw meat and a wet and cold environment.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

BENEFITS
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401K
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Profit-sharing
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Educational Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • Fitness Center
  • Product Discounts

Burke Corporation is a leader in the production of pizza toppings and other fully cooked meats. Located in Nevada, Iowa, Burke is a focused team of professionals that combines technical expertise, industry knowledge, flexibility and integrity. Our spirit of continuous improvement creates win/win relationships and a shared sense of confidence in quality and safety.
Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

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