General Labor

Job Title: General Production Associate – 1st Shift

Job Description

This 1st shift production role focuses on safely processing and recycling plastic drums and containers. You use hand and power tools to dismantle metal cages, remove and transfer chemicals for recycling, and prepare containers for further processing. You may also work on a conveyor-based cleaning system and perform leak tests to ensure product quality. Over time, you can cross-train into areas such as assembly, warehouse operations, machine operation, and forklift operation, based on your preferences.

Responsibilities

• Use hand and power tools to dismantle metal cages surrounding plastic drums and containers.
• Carefully empty liquid chemicals from plastic drums into designated containers for recycling, following safety and handling procedures.
• Use scrapers and other tools to remove hardened chemicals from containers when necessary.
• Remove labels and residue from containers to prepare them for recycling.
• Cut plastic containers down to specified sizes for recycling and further processing.
• Move plastic containers onto a conveyor system for automated cleaning.
• Operate computer-controlled equipment that runs containers through a cleaning process.
• Perform submersion tests on cleaned containers to verify there are no leaks and ensure quality standards are met.
• Follow production schedules and meet daily output and quality targets.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including general labor tasks such as power washing, washing, sandblasting, and grinding as needed.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear.
• Work overtime as required to support production demands.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities in assembly, warehouse operations, and machine operation based on individual interest.
• Once hired on permanently, complete forklift training if desired and operate forklifts safely in accordance with company procedures.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of general production experience or 6 months of manual labor experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Comfort using hand tools and basic power tools in a production environment.
• Ability to perform physical, hands-on work in hot and wet conditions.
• Basic ability to follow written and verbal instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Attention to detail when handling chemicals, removing labels, and performing leak tests.
• Commitment to working safely and following safety protocols at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor tasks such as power washing, washing, sandblasting, or grinding.
• Experience in production, warehouse operations, or assembly environments.
• Interest in learning machine operation and computer-controlled cleaning systems.
• Willingness to cross-train and move between production, assembly, warehouse, and machine operation roles based on preference.
• Interest in obtaining forklift training and operating forklifts once hired permanently.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Why Work Here?

You join a production environment that values opportunity and growth, offering good benefits and a willingness to give motivated individuals a chance to prove themselves. The culture supports cross-training and movement across different departments, allowing you to shape your own career path based on your interests. Flexible scheduling practices, such as starting earlier on hot days, help support comfort and work-life balance while maintaining productivity.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production facility in Hastings that is typically hot and wet, especially during warmer seasons. You work on 1st shift and may start earlier on particularly hot days to finish earlier, helping manage heat exposure. The environment involves hands-on work with plastic drums and containers, metal cages, and recycling processes, using hand tools, power tools, conveyor systems, and computer-operated cleaning equipment. You may also work around power washing, washing, sandblasting, and grinding operations, as well as warehouse and assembly areas. The setting is active and physically demanding, with a strong emphasis on safety procedures and appropriate protective gear.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cannon Falls, MN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Cannon Falls,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.