Pulp Operator

Job Title: Pulp Operator / Forklift Operator Job Description
This role involves operating production equipment to convert grass bales into pulp, monitoring process conditions, and safely handling materials using a forklift or telehandler. You will feed raw materials into the system, oversee water chemistry and process parameters, and transfer finished pulp to spreaders and forming machines in a fast-paced plant environment.
Responsibilities

• Feed bales of grass into the conveyor system using a forklift or telehandler to load material into the pulp tanks.
• Monitor water chemistry, chemical levels, pressure, and temperature in the pulp tanks to ensure the process operates correctly and consistently.
• Follow step-by-step instructions for all recipes, protocols, and safety procedures throughout the production process.
• Perform accurate record keeping for water chemistry, chemicals, pressure, and temperature to verify that the process remains within required specifications.
• Operate pulp tanks, conveyors, spreaders, and thermoforming machines according to established operating procedures.
• Take finished product from the pulp tank and load it onto the spreader and forming machine for further processing.
• Perform basic machine operation tasks and support preventive maintenance activities as directed.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and all plant safety rules while working in and around tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming equipment.
• Work both indoors and outdoors as needed, maintaining a clean and safe work area around production equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and trainers during the initial training period and after transition to the assigned shift to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating a forklift or telehandler in a production, manufacturing, or similar environment.
• Ability to operate machines such as conveyors, pulp tanks, spreaders, and thermoforming equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow step-by-step instructions for process recipes, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Capability to monitor and interpret readings related to water chemistry, chemicals, pressure, and temperature.
• Accurate record-keeping skills for documenting process parameters and production data.
• Comfort working in a plant or production environment with hot and cold conditions and exposure to water and grass pulp mixtures.
• Willingness and ability to work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3-3 schedule, including day or night shifts as assigned.
• Commitment to following GMP standards and all safety and operational guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in or prior exposure to maintenance-related work, particularly in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Education or training from a technical college or trade school (such as TCAT or similar) focused on maintenance, electrical systems, boilers, or related disciplines.
• Desire to grow into an entry-level maintenance role with increasing responsibility over time.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance concepts and basic troubleshooting of production equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a process-oriented environment that relies on consistent procedures and documentation.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn new systems and equipment.

Why Work Here?
You will join a large, established organization that offers clear pathways for career growth and advancement. Starting as a contractor, you have the opportunity to transition to a permanent role after approximately 90 working days, with structured levels of learning and knowledge that lead to increased pay over time. This position is particularly attractive for individuals seeking an entry point into maintenance and industrial operations, providing hands-on experience, comprehensive training, and long-term development in a supportive, process-driven environment.
Work Environment
The role is based in a plant and production environment that includes a mix of indoor and outdoor work. Conditions can vary between hot and cold, and you will work around water and grass mixtures that may be unpleasant at times. The facility includes a wide range of machines, such as tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming machines, and operates under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which require strict adherence to cleanliness, organization, and safety protocols. The standard schedule follows a 2-2-3-3 pattern with 12-hour shifts, either 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with multiple positions available on both day and night shifts. New hires receive 1-2 months of training on 8-hour daytime shifts, Monday through Friday, before transitioning to their assigned 12-hour schedule.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vonore, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The 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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Vonore,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

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.