Demo

Material Handler - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods
Sioux, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/16/2026
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!

Your Opportunity

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

  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay – $20.55/hour
  • 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.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

The Material Handler will use material handling equipment and the warehouse management system to build pallets of product for shipment, receive product into the warehouse, put away product in the fill locations and replenish product into slots.

Core Responsibilities

  • Safely and efficiently utilize warehouse material handling equipment.
  • Utilize RF units and pick tickets, and receiving documentation.
  • Build stable, well-built and accurate pallet loads for shipment.
  • Ensure item pick accuracy and safety of product to prevent damage.
  • Understand pallet layers, heights, and counting methods used when working with pallets of product.
  • Read and understand product descriptions, packaging and pick ticket messages.
  • Consistently meet established company production and service level standards.
  • Utilize good housekeeping processes.
  • Utilize effective food safety measures.
  • Utilize warehouse processes to minimize damage and other areas of waste.
  • Inform supervisor of any differences in case quantity and/or product description.
  • Wrap the pallet by circling load with roll of plastic wrap until secure.
  • Housekeeping during and at the end of shifts.

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.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. A minimum of 3 full months of documented experience as a certified fork lift/heavy lift driver will be accepted in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED.
  • This position requires the ability to read, write and communicate in English. English is needed to carry out the following tasks: (1) read and understand procedure manuals, signs and box labels; (2) work with warehouse computer systems; (3) complete written documents relating to company procedures; and (4) communicate clearly with co-workers and supervisors about day-to-day operations.
  • Previous experience in a warehouse or with heavy lifting preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 60 pounds continually during shift.
  • Ability to consistently meet minimum production standards and company service levels.
  • Must obtain proper powered industrial truck certifications during initial training phase.
  • Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to operate pallet jack and other required materials handling equipment (MHE).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The DC environment will include extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical equipment such as forklifts/hi-lifts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the loading areas.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.

IndSPR-Ops

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.

Salary : $21

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Material Handler - 1st Shift?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Material Handler - 1st Shift career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$34,484 - $42,581
Income Estimation: 
$35,703 - $44,109
Income Estimation: 
$38,806 - $48,952
Income Estimation: 
$34,484 - $42,581
Income Estimation: 
$35,703 - $44,109
Income Estimation: 
$38,806 - $48,952
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Smithfield Foods

  • Smithfield Foods Sioux Center, IA
  • Overview Responsible for the day-to-day production duties as assigned. Responsible for adhering to all GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices), SOP’s (Standar... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Smithfield Foods Mason, IA
  • If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smit... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Smithfield Foods Greenfield, IN
  • If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-await... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Smithfield Foods Coffey, MO
  • If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-await... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Material Handler - 1st Shift jobs in the Sioux, IA area that may be a better fit.

  • Tyson Foods Storm Lake, IA
  • Job Details: ATTN Prior Tyson Workers: Candidates who have previously worked for Tyson will have a minimum rehire waiting period of 180 days and are limite... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Ag Processing Inc Sergeant Bluff, IA
  • Looking for more than just a job? Start a career with long-term growth, strong pay progression, and real advancement opportunities. Ag Processing Inc (AGP)... more
  • 28 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!