Production Worker

Job Title: Pulp Operator 1st or 3rd shift

Job Description

This temporary-to-permanent Pulp Operator position offers the opportunity to work in a modern production facility in Vonore, TN, operating large-scale equipment to convert raw grass bales into finished pulp products. You will work a 2-2-3 schedule on either day shift (7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) or night shift (7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.), performing process-oriented tasks that require strong attention to detail, strict adherence to safety procedures, and consistent quality control. Extensive initial training, including classroom instruction and job shadowing, will prepare you to operate equipment safely, follow detailed production recipes, and monitor key process parameters.

Responsibilities

• Feed bales of grass into the in-feed conveyor to load material into the pulp tanks, using a telehandler and other material handling equipment as needed.
• Operate and monitor pulp tanks, ensuring correct water chemistry, chemical levels, pressure, and temperature throughout the process.
• Use checklists to verify that all safety procedures, recipes, formulations, and process steps are followed accurately and consistently.
• Transfer finished pulp from the pulp tanks to the spreader and forming machines, ensuring proper setup and operation of the equipment.
• Perform routine pressure checks and basic observations on tanks, boilers, valves, and related systems to support safe and efficient operation.
• Apply machine safety practices at all times, including lockout/tagout and safe operating procedures for forklifts, telehandlers, and other equipment.
• Collaborate closely with team members to coordinate production activities, share information, and maintain a smooth workflow across shifts.
• Follow step-by-step instructions and written protocols for all production, quality, and safety processes.
• Participate in classroom training and job shadowing to learn equipment operation, process control, and safety standards, and apply this knowledge on the floor.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, promptly addressing spills and debris associated with water, grass, and pulp mixtures.
• Communicate any equipment issues, process deviations, or safety concerns to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Essential Skills

• Ability to operate forklifts and telehandlers safely in a production environment.
• Comfort working with and around tanks, boilers, valves, conveyors, and thermoforming machines.
• Basic understanding of pressure checks and mechanical systems to support safe operation of boilers and tanks.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow step-by-step instructions, recipes, and protocols without deviation.
• Commitment to machine safety and adherence to all plant safety procedures and checklists.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production setting.
• Willingness and ability to work a 12-hour 2-2-3 shift schedule on either days or nights.
• Reliability and consistency in following process-oriented tasks from start to finish.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry-level experience or strong interest in maintenance or a maintenance-related role.
• Education or training from a technical college or trade school (such as TCAT or similar) with a focus on maintenance, electrical systems, boilers, or related fields.
• Exposure to electrical troubleshooting in an industrial or training environment.
• Familiarity with boiler systems, valves, and basic maintenance practices.
• Experience operating forklifts or other industrial material handling equipment in a plant environment.
• Ability to learn and apply new processes quickly through classroom training and hands-on job shadowing.
• Strong process orientation with the discipline to follow detailed safety and quality procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, established organization that offers clear opportunities to grow and advance your career over time. After completing an initial period as a contractor, you can transition to a permanent role and progress through structured learning and knowledge levels that lead to increased responsibility and higher pay. The company invests in extensive training and development, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to help you build valuable technical and process skills. You will work in an environment that values safety, teamwork, and long-term career development.

Work Environment

This role is based in a plant and production environment with a mix of hot and cold conditions depending on the area and season. You will work around water and grass mixtures that can be messy and occasionally unpleasant, and you will regularly interact with large industrial equipment such as tanks, boilers, conveyors, thermoforming machines, spreaders, and material handling equipment. The position follows a 12-hour 2-2-3 shift schedule on either day shift (7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) or night shift (7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.), requiring comfort with extended periods on your feet and working in an active, machine-heavy setting. Safety protocols, checklists, and proper use of personal protective equipment are integral parts of the daily work environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vonore, TN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Vonore,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.