Job Description

Job Title: Chemical Production Operator / Material Handler

Job Description

This role operates and tends equipment and semiautomatic processes used to produce and package chemical substances for industrial and consumer products in a small chemical packaging facility. The position combines hands-on production, material handling, and basic equipment monitoring, following detailed batch sheets and recipes to safely blend, mix, and down-pack chemicals while maintaining accuracy and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and tend equipment and semiautomatic processes to produce and package chemical substances in a small chemical processing and packaging site.
• 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 pounds repetitively throughout the shift.
• Work as both an operator and material handler, managing materials from receipt through processing and packaging.
• Inspect work areas and equipment regularly to detect leaks, malfunctions, or abnormal conditions, and shut equipment down when necessary.
• Notify maintenance or engineering personnel promptly when equipment issues or malfunctions are identified.
• Operate sit-down forklifts safely in tight spaces to move materials, including barrels, drums, vials, totes, and other containers.
• Transport materials to and from equipment for down-packing and chemical processing, ensuring accurate placement and handling.
• Learn product lines, labeling requirements, and associated processes to ensure correct identification and traceability.
• Use computer software to enter and verify product content, volume, and usage data, and provide accurate information to operators for chemical mixing.
• Weigh and measure precise quantities of solids, powders, and liquids into heating vessels or blending tanks according to batch specifications.
• Work with valves, pressure controls, and gaseous material monitoring systems to support safe and accurate processing.
• Monitor and maintain mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and other process conditions.
• Observe chemical reactions, monitor gauges, signals, and recorders, and document readings to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
• Receive and act on notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding process changes, adjustments, or corrections.
• Use RF scanners or similar devices to support inventory tracking and material movement as needed.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area in an inherently dirty environment, adhering to all safety protocols and use of protective equipment.
• Follow all site procedures for loading, unloading, inventory handling, and production documentation.
• Contribute to a culture of accuracy, reliability, and safety by consistently following instructions and standard operating procedures.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts safely in small or tight spaces.
• Strong depth perception and spatial awareness to reach totes on high racks without damaging packaging.
• Demonstrated ability to handle repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.
• Experience in chemical production, compounding, blending, mixing, batching, or batch making.
• Ability to follow detailed batch sheets and recipes with a high level of accuracy.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with valves, mixers, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to monitor and interpret gauges, signals, and recording devices related to pressure, vacuum, and process conditions.
• Competence in basic computer use to enter and verify product content, volume, and usage information.
• Experience with material handling, loading, inventory support, and warehouse-related tasks.
• Capability to work safely in a hot, inherently dirty industrial environment while using required protective equipment.
• Willingness and ability to wear a hooded respirator (“pamper”) when required for specific tasks.
• Attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy in all production and documentation activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using RF scanners for inventory or material tracking.
• Background in small-scale chemical packaging or processing environments.
• Comfort working with heating vessels, blending tanks, and large mixer-style equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues and recognize when to escalate to maintenance or engineering.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with lab personnel and other team members regarding process changes.
• Reliability and consistent attendance to support steady production schedules.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 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.

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