Become a Materials Handler with the Iowa Army National Guard

The Iowa Army National Guard provides critical support to both the nation and the local community. We are currently looking for four detail-oriented professionals to serve as Materials Handlers at the Camp Dodge Military Reservation in Johnston, IA. This role is the backbone of our supply chain, ensuring that equipment is accounted for, stored safely, and ready for deployment at a moment's notice.

Job Responsibilities

As a Materials Handler, your primary duties involve the full lifecycle of warehouse management. You will be tasked with:

Managing the receipt, storage, and issuance of bulk and bin materials.
Developing warehouse floor plans to optimize traffic and storage efficiency.
Handling hazardous materials, including ammunition and chemicals, in strict adherence to safety regulations.
Utilizing automated systems (STAMIS) and bar code scanners for inventory tracking.
Performing quality assurance inspections to maintain high standards of accountability.
Operating heavy equipment, such as forklifts up to 10,000 lbs, stake trucks, and mobile cranes.

Requirements

This position is an excepted service role, meaning it is specifically for active members of the Iowa Army National Guard. Key requirements include:

Military Membership: You must remain a member of the Iowa Army National Guard and wear the military uniform.
Trial Period: All new hires must complete a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate performance and suitability.
Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this position.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Status
Guard Membership	Required
Security Clearance	Required
Trial Period	1-2 Years
Drug Test	Not Required

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $23.26 to $27.11 per hour, commensurate with experience and grade level.

Benefits

Employees of the Iowa Army National Guard have access to a variety of benefits, including:

Meaningful service to your state and country.
Professional development and specialized logistics training.
Career stability within the Department of the Army.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is clear and precise. Avoid copying the job description; instead, use your own words to explain your warehouse and logistics experience. Make sure your dates of employment are clear (Month/Year format) and that you explicitly highlight your ability to handle complex documentation.

If you are a member of the Iowa Army National Guard with a knack for logistics and a commitment to excellence, this role offers a great opportunity to utilize your skills in a professional setting. Apply through the USAJOBS portal today to help us maintain the readiness of our units.

Why This Materials Handler (4 Vacancies) Job Matters

Power the Iowa Army National Guard: Join our warehouse team as a Materials Handler and ensure operational readiness in Johnston, IA.

Materials Handler (4 Vacancies) Job Overview

The Iowa Army National Guard is seeking four dedicated individuals to join the USPFO SDB team in Johnston, IA. This critical role involves the end-to-end management of warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, distribution, and logistics of specialized military materials. This is a Title 32 excepted service position reserved for current members of the Iowa Army National Guard.

Requirements for Materials Handler (4 Vacancies)

Must be a current member of the Iowa Army National Guard.
Must be willing to wear the military uniform.
Must maintain a compatible military assignment.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a required security clearance.
Must undergo a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
Must meet basic physical and mechanical competency standards for warehouse equipment and tools.

Preferred Qualifications for Materials Handler (4 Vacancies)

Experience in receiving, packaging, and preparing military cargo for shipment.
Proficiency in warehouse planning, including storage configuration and traffic flow management.
Familiarity with automated supply management systems (STAMIS) and digital tracking tools.
Experience handling hazardous materials, ammunition, or sensitive cryptographic items.
Certification or experience operating heavy warehouse vehicles like forklifts and mobile cranes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly wage
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Opportunities for career advancement within the Army National Guard
✓Access to a range of government employment benefits

💡 How to Apply Materials Handler (4 Vacancies) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Materials Handler (4 Vacancies) Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed resume specifying hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents such as DD 214 or SF-50.
Submit the final package by the closing date of August 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use your own words in your resume; do not copy descriptions verbatim from the announcement.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (Month/Year) for all previous work experience.
Double-check that you have included all necessary documentation before hitting submit.
Monitor your email for status notifications from the Human Resources Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is restricted to current members of the Iowa Army National Guard.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, employment is conditional upon attaining and maintaining a specific security clearance for this role.

What happens after the trial period?

Upon successful completion of the 1-2 year trial period, your employment status will be finalized based on a performance evaluation.

Can I apply if I am not in the Guard?

*A: No, this is an excepted service position specifically for current Iowa Army National Guard members.*

What is the closing date for this application?

*A: Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2026.*

Job from Army National Guard Units

The National Guard is a unique component of the U.S. Armed Forces with a legacy of service dating back to our nation’s founding. By joining our team at the USPFO SDB in Johnston, you contribute to a proud tradition of emergency aid and collective defense. We offer a structured environment where your dedication to logistical excellence supports the overall readiness of our units.