Entry Level Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Plant Operator / Entry-Level Maintenance Technician
Job Description

This role operates within a plant production environment and focuses on feeding grass bales into a processing system, monitoring pulp tank operations, and handling finished product through spreader and forming equipment. You will use forklifts or telehandlers to load materials, closely monitor water chemistry and process conditions, and support safe, efficient operation of tanks, boilers, conveyors, and thermoforming machines. This position offers an excellent entry point into maintenance work, with structured training and clear opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift or telehandler to safely feed bales of grass into conveyors for loading into pulp tanks.
• Monitor pulp tank operations by checking water chemistry, chemical levels, pressure, and temperature to ensure the process runs correctly and consistently.
• Record and maintain accurate logs of water chemistry, chemicals, pressure, and temperature readings throughout the process.
• Follow detailed, step-by-step process instructions for all recipes, protocols, and safety procedures in a highly process-oriented environment.
• Handle the finished product from the pulp tank and load it onto spreaders and forming machines for further processing.
• Operate and monitor various plant equipment, including tanks, boilers, valves, conveyors, thermoforming machines, and related systems.
• Perform basic machine operation tasks and support routine maintenance activities under guidance from experienced team members.
• Apply machine safety practices at all times, including lockout/tagout and safe operating procedures around boilers, tanks, and moving equipment.
• Assist with basic electrical troubleshooting and mechanical checks as training and skill level allow.
• Support boiler system operations by monitoring indicators, valves, and related equipment, escalating issues as needed.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adhere to all plant safety, cleanliness, and quality standards.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in a plant environment, adapting to hot, cold, wet, and sometimes messy conditions.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to ensure production targets and quality standards are met.
• Participate in training and continuous learning to progress through levels of knowledge and responsibility within the maintenance and operations team.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating a forklift or telehandler, with the ability to safely move and position heavy bales of material.
• Basic machine operating skills and comfort working around industrial equipment such as conveyors, tanks, and forming machines.
• Ability to monitor and interpret process variables, including water chemistry, chemical levels, pressure, and temperature.
• Strong attention to detail and capability to follow step-by-step instructions for processes, recipes, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Record-keeping skills for accurately documenting process conditions and maintaining logs.
• Awareness of machine safety practices and safe work habits around boilers, valves, tanks, and high-pressure systems.
• Willingness and ability to work in a plant/production environment that may be hot, cold, wet, and involve exposure to pulp mixtures.
• Reliability in working 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule after training, including potential day or night shifts.
• Commitment to following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry-level maintenance experience or a strong interest in moving into a maintenance-focused role.
• Education or training from a technical college, trade school, or similar program, particularly in maintenance, electrical, boiler systems, or related fields.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills or coursework in electrical systems.
• Exposure to boiler systems, pressure vessels, or industrial tanks through school or previous work.
• Introductory welding skills or familiarity with welding practices.
• Experience with machine safety programs and standard operating procedures in industrial or manufacturing settings.
• Comfort working with grass, water, and pulp mixtures, even when conditions are messy or unpleasant.
• Motivation to learn, progress through structured training, and take on higher-level responsibilities over time.

Why Work Here?

You join a large, established organization that offers clear pathways for growth and career advancement. The role begins with a structured contract period, and after 90 working days as a permanent employee, you can progress through defined levels of learning and knowledge that lead to increased pay over time. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to build a long-term career in maintenance and plant operations, with hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of industrial systems. You benefit from a stable work environment, consistent scheduling, and a culture that values safety, process discipline, and continuous development.

Work Environment

The position is based in a plant/production environment that includes a mix of indoor and outdoor work areas. You work around a variety of industrial equipment, including tanks, boilers, valves, conveyors, thermoforming machines, spreaders, and forming equipment. Conditions can vary from hot to cold, and the process involves water and grass mixtures that can be messy or unpleasant at times. The facility operates under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), so you must follow strict cleanliness, safety, and process standards. The role follows a 2-2-3 schedule with 12-hour shifts, either 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with four positions available split between day and night shifts. Initial training lasts approximately 1–2 months on 8-hour day shifts, Monday through Friday, before transitioning to the assigned 12-hour schedule. You should expect to wear appropriate industrial work attire and personal protective equipment suitable for a manufacturing and GMP environment.

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 Jul 22, 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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.