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Starting Package Handler Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handler

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.60/hr

Apply Now! Your Opportunity Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages: * Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $20.60/hour * $0.25/hour shift ...

New

B&G Foods, Inc.

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

B&G Foods

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

Clabber Girl Corporation

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

B&G Foods

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

Clabber Girl Corporation

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

B&G Foods

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$28.48/hr

This position opening is available for 3rd shift starting weekly on Monday's. Shift hours are ... Assures that material transferred and placed for use on packaging lines is accurate and timely.

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All JobsStarting Package Handler JobsStarting Package Handler Jobs in Waukee, IA

Starting Package Handler information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do starting package handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for starting package handler in Waukee, IA is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a starting package handler do?

A Starting Package Handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and sorting packages within a warehouse or shipping facility. They ensure that packages are properly handled, scanned, and routed to their appropriate destinations. The role often involves physical work, including lifting, carrying, and moving packages of varying sizes and weights. Package handlers play a crucial part in maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of shipping operations. This entry-level position is common in logistics companies and shipping carriers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a starting package handler?

To thrive as a Starting Package Handler, you need strong physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor belt systems, barcode scanners, and warehouse management software is commonly required. Reliable teamwork, time management, and effective communication are soft skills that help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and upholding safety standards in package handling operations.

What are some common challenges a starting package handler may encounter in their first few months, and how can they overcome them?

Starting Package Handlers often face challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the job, learning efficient package sorting techniques, and working in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to focus on proper lifting techniques to prevent injury, communicate proactively with team members, and ask for guidance from more experienced handlers. With time and practice, most new hires find themselves becoming more comfortable with the workflow and can handle increasing responsibilities with confidence.

What is the difference between Starting Package Handler vs Package Handler?

AspectStarting Package HandlerPackage Handler
CredentialsNo formal certifications requiredNo formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, warehouse or distribution centerWarehouse or distribution center
Employer & IndustryLogistics, shipping companies, retail distributionLogistics, shipping companies, retail distribution
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, beginner rolesGeneral roles, experienced or starting positions

The main difference is that a Starting Package Handler typically refers to an entry-level position with no prior experience needed, focusing on learning the basics of package handling. A Package Handler may be more general, including both entry-level and experienced roles. Both roles are common in logistics and distribution industries, with similar work environments and employer types.

How long are starting package handler shifts?

Starting package handler shifts typically last around 4 to 8 hours per day, depending on the company's scheduling needs. Shifts can be part-time or full-time, often including early morning, evening, or weekend hours, and may require standing for extended periods and lifting packages. The specific shift length can vary based on location and operational demands.

Is working as a starting package handler worth it?

Starting package handler positions typically offer low to moderate pay, often with opportunities for overtime and advancement. The job involves physical labor, such as lifting and moving packages, and usually requires working in a fast-paced environment with shift schedules. Whether it is worth it depends on individual goals, such as gaining work experience or earning immediate income.

What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Starting Package Handler jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Starting Package Handler job openings:

Starting Package Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Starting Package Handler job openings in Waukee, 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 $35,842 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Handler

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Smithfield Foods
See more jobs at Smithfield Foodsexternal

$20.60/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $20.60/hour

  • $0.25/hour shift differential for 2nd shift

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits, and More.

  • Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient set up, inspection and operation of equipment/machinery utilized in the processing of meat products. Additionally, responsible for following standard operating procedures, including but not limited to, completing production related paperwork and meeting product specifications.

Core Responsibilities

  • Receives, unloads and sorts hogs according to quality and weight.

  • Identifies (tattoo), scales, moves and accurately counts livestock, including any dead or non-ambulatory animals.

  • Moves hogs from trucks to holding pens.

  • Monitors yard and truck conditions according to corporate and government standards to ensure livestock are handled properly.

  • Performs livestock handling animal welfare audits.

  • Processes outgoing livestock.

  • Communicates clearly with team members and management team.

  • Completes PQA, TQA, and other training as deemed necessary for role.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Relocation Package Available No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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