Pulp Operator

Job Title: Pulp Operator / Machine OperatorJob DescriptionThis role operates production equipment to convert grass bales into pulp by feeding material into conveyors, monitoring pulp tanks, and running forming machinery. You will use a forklift or telehandler to load bales, closely follow process instructions, and maintain accurate records of key operating parameters to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production. This is an entry-level maintenance-oriented position that offers structured training and clear opportunities for growth.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts or telehandlers to safely move and feed bales of grass into the conveyor system for loading into pulp tanks.
• Monitor the pulp tank process, including water chemistry, chemical additions, pressure, and temperature, to ensure the system operates within defined parameters.
• Follow detailed, step-by-step recipes, protocols, and safety procedures for each production run.
• Record and maintain accurate logs of water chemistry, chemical usage, pressure, and temperature throughout the process.
• Visually inspect equipment and the process flow to identify irregularities or potential issues and report them promptly.
• Perform basic machine operation tasks on conveyors, tanks, boilers, and thermoforming machines as part of the production process.
• Assist with preventive maintenance tasks as directed to support reliable equipment performance.
• Handle the finished pulp product from the pulp tank and load it onto spreaders and forming machines for the final processing step.
• Work in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), housekeeping standards, and all plant safety rules.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to support smooth shift handovers and consistent production output.
• Participate in training and skill development activities to progress through defined learning levels.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating a forklift or strong willingness and ability to learn safe forklift operation.
• Ability to operate production and manufacturing machinery, including conveyors, tanks, and forming equipment, with training provided.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow step-by-step instructions, recipes, and protocols accurately.
• Capability to monitor and understand basic process parameters such as water chemistry, chemicals, pressure, and temperature.
• Comfort with performing and documenting record keeping for process conditions and production activities.
• Interest in an entry-level maintenance or maintenance-focused production role.
• Ability to work safely and consistently in a plant/production environment with hot and cold conditions.
• Reliability to work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule, including days or nights as assigned.
• Willingness to work in a GMP-regulated environment and follow all related standards and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education or training from a technical college or trade school in maintenance, electrical, boilers, or a related field is highly beneficial.
• Previous experience as a forklift operator, machine operator, or in manufacturing is an advantage.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance concepts and basic mechanical aptitude.
• Comfort working around tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming machines.
• Strong process orientation and ability to learn complex systems and procedures.
• Good communication skills to work effectively with team members and share process information across shifts.

Why Work Here?You join a large, stable organization that offers clear pathways for career progression and skill development. Starting as a contractor, you have the opportunity to transition to permanent employment after approximately 90 working days, with structured levels of learning and knowledge that lead to higher pay over time. The role provides an excellent entry point into maintenance and process operations, supported by comprehensive training, consistent schedules, and a culture that values growth, advancement, and long-term career development. Work EnvironmentYou work in a plant and production environment that includes a mix of indoor and outdoor areas. Conditions vary between hot and cold, and the process involves handling water and grass mixtures that form pulp, which can be messy at times. The facility houses a variety of industrial equipment, including tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming machines, and operates under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), requiring adherence to strict cleanliness and operational standards. The position follows a 2-2-3 schedule with 12-hour shifts from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with initial training over 12 months on 8-hour daytime shifts, Monday through Friday, before transitioning to the assigned shift. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vonore, TN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vonore, TN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Vonore,TN.

About Aerotek

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.