Pulp Operator

Production Operator 3rd Shift

This role focuses on safely operating production equipment and supporting maintenance activities in a process-oriented plant environment. You will feed raw materials into the production line, monitor and adjust process conditions, and handle finished product using forklifts and other machinery while following strict GMP, safety, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Feed bales of grass into the conveyor system to load material into pulp tanks using a forklift or telehandler.
• Monitor pulp tank operations, including water chemistry, chemical levels, pressure, and temperature, to ensure the process runs correctly and efficiently.
• Perform accurate record keeping for water chemistry, chemicals, pressure, and temperature throughout the production process.
• Take finished product from the pulp tank and load it onto the spreader and forming machine for further processing.
• Operate production machinery such as conveyors, tanks, boilers, valves, thermoforming machines, and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Follow detailed, step-by-step instructions for all recipes, protocols, and safety procedures in a highly process-oriented environment.
• Adhere to GMP standards at all times, including cleanliness, documentation, and proper handling of materials and equipment.
• Support basic maintenance tasks on equipment and systems as directed, including routine checks and minor repairs.
• Practice machine safety at all times, including proper lockout/tagout procedures and safe operation of forklifts and other equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to identify and report equipment issues, process deviations, or safety concerns.
• Participate in initial training on day shifts and transition to assigned 12-hour shift schedule upon completion of training.

Essential Skills

• Ability to safely operate a forklift or telehandler to move bales of grass and finished product.
• Comfort working with and around boilers, tanks, valves, conveyors, and thermoforming machines in a plant environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow step-by-step instructions for process recipes, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Capability to monitor and record water chemistry, chemical usage, pressure, and temperature accurately and consistently.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in maintenance-related work in a production setting.
• Understanding and adherence to GMP standards, including documentation and cleanliness requirements.
• Commitment to machine safety practices and safe operation of all equipment.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3-3 schedule, including day or night shifts as assigned.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Schooling or training from a technical college or local trade school (such as TCAT or similar) focused on maintenance, electrical systems, boilers, or related disciplines.
• Interest in building a career in maintenance or transitioning into a maintenance-focused role.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills for production and maintenance equipment.
• Experience or exposure to boiler systems, valves, and pressure vessels.
• General maintenance skills, including mechanical troubleshooting and minor repairs.
• Welding experience or familiarity with welding processes in an industrial environment.
• Previous experience operating forklifts or other material-handling equipment in a production or warehouse setting.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor areas of a plant and adapt to changing conditions.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, stable organization that offers clear pathways for growth and career advancement. Starting as a contractor, you have the opportunity to transition to permanent status after approximately 90 working days, with a structured progression through levels of learning and knowledge that lead to increased pay over time. This position is ideal for individuals seeking an entry-level maintenance opportunity in a production environment, where they can build valuable technical skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow into more advanced roles.

Work Environment

The role is based in a plant and production environment that includes a mix of indoor and outdoor work. Conditions can be hot or cold depending on the season and process, and you will work around water and grass mixtures that can be unpleasant at times. The facility houses a variety of machinery, including tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming machines, and operates under GMP standards, requiring strict adherence to cleanliness, documentation, and safety protocols. The position follows a 2-2-3-3 schedule of 12-hour shifts, either 7 AM7 PM or 7 PM7 AM. Initial training is conducted on 8-hour day shifts, Monday through Friday, for 12 months before transitioning to the regular 12-hour shift assignment.

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. 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 Aug 11, 2026.