Recycling Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Warehouse Associate – Reclaim/Scrap Operator

Job Description

The Warehouse Associate – Reclaim/Scrap Operator supports production by recycling material and scrap aluminum that does not meet quality standards. In this role, you peel protective film from large aluminum sheets and process them through a separator that divides the top and bottom panels from the core. You work closely with machine operators and other teams, help maintain a clean and safe work environment, and play an important part in the recycling process. This position offers a solid entry point for individuals who want to prove themselves, be cross-trained, and potentially transition into a full-time role in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Recycle scrap aluminum and material that does not meet quality standards by peeling protective film from sheets and processing them through a separator.
• Assist machine operators and other production teams as needed to support smooth and efficient operations.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by sweeping, removing debris from burners and machines, and performing general housekeeping tasks.
• Adhere to all safety and environmental rules, including proper use of personal protective equipment and compliance with facility procedures.
• Draw ATH for disposal and assist with cleaning and basic maintenance of machines as directed.
• Perform Lockout/Tagout procedures in accordance with safety guidelines when working around machinery.
• Support supervisors and team members in training and cross-training efforts to build skills across different tasks and equipment.
• Operate material handling equipment safely and maintain a valid forklift license as issued by Mitsubishi.
• Use pallet jacks to push and pull material and move product safely throughout the production area.
• Perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, forward reaching, and twisting while handling materials and operating equipment.
• Perform occasional squatting, crouching, and above-shoulder reaching as required by production tasks.
• Stand for extended periods during 12-hour shifts while working around moving equipment and heated processes.
• Climb ladders and stairs to access equipment and work areas safely.
• Use hand tools and light equipment with sufficient dexterity and manipulation to perform assigned tasks accurately.
• Lift materials frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds in accordance with safe lifting practices.
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times, including safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and any additional PPE as needed.
• Follow all quality standards and production guidelines to ensure recycled materials are processed correctly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department manager to support production, safety, and housekeeping goals.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work safely around large industrial machinery and moving equipment.
• Capability to perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, forward reaching, and twisting during the shift.
• Ability to perform occasional squatting, crouching, and above-shoulder reaching as required.
• Capacity to stand for extended periods during 12-hour shifts.
• Physical ability to climb ladders and stairs safely.
• Dexterity and hand-eye coordination to use hand tools and light equipment effectively.
• Ability to push and pull material using a pallet jack.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Correctable eyesight sufficient to safely operate equipment and perform detailed tasks.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment with exposure to heat and temperature changes.
• Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment at all times, including safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Ability to maintain a forklift license as issued by Mitsubishi.
• Reliability and willingness to work a structured 12-hour shift schedule, including night shifts.
• Interest in general production, material handling, packaging, and loading tasks.
• Strong work ethic with a desire to stay, learn, and be cross-trained in additional production responsibilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in production, general labor, or warehouse environments is helpful but not required.
• in general production, packaging, material handling, or loading is beneficial.
• Comfort performing repetitive tasks such as peeling protective film and handling recycled material.
• Willingness to participate in training modules and transition to assigned shift after training is completed.
• Openness to learning new skills and expanding responsibilities through cross-training.
• Ability to follow detailed safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout and PPE requirements.
• Preference for working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

You join a global leader in aluminum and metal composite manufacturing that has built its reputation on quality, sustainability, and exceptional customer care for more than forty years. The organization focuses on excellence in both products and processes, offering a stable environment where you can learn, grow, and be cross-trained in multiple areas of production. Employees receive benefits, paid time off, and sick leave, and work in a culture that values safety, teamwork, and long-term development. The company’s premium materials are known worldwide, giving you the opportunity to contribute to products that stand out and inspire innovative design.

Work Environment

This role is based in a non-climate-controlled production facility with regular exposure to heat and temperature changes, including work near heated processes. You work around large industrial machinery and moving equipment, so strict adherence to safety procedures and PPE requirements is essential. Shifts are typically 12 hours, with hiring for three night shifts (6:00 PM–6:00 AM / approximately 6:15 AM end time) and one day shift, following a rotating schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off. After completing training modules, you transition to your assigned shift unless delays occur. The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, with a strong focus on maintaining high safety and quality standards. Required attire includes company-provided shirt and jacket, along with safety shoes; hoodies and drawstring clothing are not permitted due to machine safety risks. Personal protective equipment such as steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection must be worn at all times while on the production floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chesapeake, VA.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chesapeake,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.

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.