Job Title: Packaging Operator and Material Handler
Job Description
This role involves operating equipment and semiautomatic processes to produce and package chemical substances used in industrial and consumer products. You will work in a small chemical packaging facility, handling materials from raw ingredients through blending, batching, and down-packing into various containers, while ensuring accuracy, safety, and equipment reliability in a physically demanding environment.
Responsibilities
Operate equipment and semiautomatic processes to produce and package chemical substances for industrial and consumer products.
Work as an operator in a small chemical packaging site while also handling materials throughout the production process.
Follow batch sheets and recipes to perform chemical formulations, including compounding, blending, mixing, batching, and batch making.
Lift and handle chemical bags weighing up to 50 lbs repeatedly, potentially lifting up to 27 bags of this weight in a single day.
Inspect work areas, equipment, and processing lines to detect leaks, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions and shut down equipment when necessary.
Notify maintenance or engineering personnel promptly when equipment issues or malfunctions are identified.
Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials, including bringing barrels, drums, vials, totes, and other containers to equipment for down-packing and chemical processing.
Use forklifts to transport finished materials and products safely and accurately within tight spaces and high racking areas.
Learn product lines and labeling requirements to ensure correct identification and traceability of all materials and finished goods.
Use computer software to enter, verify, and track product content, volume, and usage, and communicate this information clearly to other operators for chemical mixing and processing.
Weigh and measure solids, powders, and liquids accurately into heating vessels or blending tanks according to specified recipes and batch instructions.
Work with valves, pressure systems, and gaseous materials, monitoring their status and making adjustments as required.
Maintain and monitor mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and process conditions.
Observe chemical reactions and monitor gauges, signals, recorders, and other instrumentation to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
Document process data, including readings and observations, and respond to notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding changes needed in the process.
Wear required personal protective equipment, including a hooded respirator ("pamper") for designated tasks, and follow all safety and hygiene procedures.
Maintain a clean and organized work area in an inherently dirty and physically demanding environment while following site housekeeping standards.
Collaborate with team members across production, warehouse, and lab functions to support efficient and accurate chemical processing and packaging.
Work Environment
This is a physically demanding, hands-on role in a small chemical processing and packaging plant. The work environment is inherently dirty, and you can expect to get dirty each day while working with chemical bags, totes, drums, and related equipment. The facility can be hot during the summer months, and uniforms are provided to support safety and cleanliness. You will work on 2nd shift, typically from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The site uses large mixer-style equipment, similar to oversized kitchen-aid mixers, along with various mechanical and electronic systems, valves, and vacuum-related equipment. A separate warehouse, located about a mile away, handles storage for materials and finished goods. You will operate sit-down forklifts in tight spaces and around high racking, requiring careful maneuvering and excellent depth perception. Personal protective equipment, including a hooded respirator ("pamper") for certain tasks, is part of the standard safety practice. Overall, the environment combines small-scale chemical processing with active material handling, requiring consistent adherence to safety procedures and comfort working in a rugged, industrial setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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 Richmond,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 14, 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.
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.
