Entry Level Paper Mill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

People • Customers • Trust

At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.

At PCA, you’ll find the best people in the industry operating in a “golden rule” culture. We actively promote mutually rewarding relationships with each other and our customers by advocating respect for every individual, ethical and fair practices, and the highest standards in what we say and do. PCA is proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team leading the way.

As a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the U.S., PCA offers customers broad expertise and economies of scale, while our multiple plant locations let us rapidly meet the local needs of our customers.

PRODUCTION OPERATOR APPRENTICE

Packaging Corporation of America, DeRidder, LA paper mill, a leader in safety, is seeking applicants possessing safety leadership skills for the following positions in its production department.

Starting pay for Production Operator Apprentice is $26.02 per hour. After successful completion of 60-work day probationary period, candidates will be eligible for a wage increase every six months for two (2) years when Operator “C” classification is achieved.

The Production Operator Apprentice is an entry level position that will work in all departments of the mill.  During the two (2) year Apprenticeship, the Production Operator Apprentice will perform the duties to become a “C” Operator in their assigned department.  This may include driving a lift truck, operating heavy equipment, operating and monitoring equipment.  

Principle Accountabilities:

Depending on where the Production Operating Apprentice is assigned, the following are some of the job tasks:

Paper Machine:

Process finished paper as it comes off the paper machine

Operate Cranes and Hoist

Check rolls for defects

Insert paper cores

Inside work

Shipping and Old Corrugated Cardboard (O.C.C.)

Operate clamp truck and bale truck

Load and unload truck trailers and rail cars of either O.C.C. or finished rolls

From storage/warehouse, load conveyor with O.C.C. or unload conveyor of finished rolls

Inside work for shipping

Outside work for O.C.C.

Woodyard:

Operate Heavy Equipment (Dozers, Bobcat, Front End Loaders, 18-wheeler log truck, etc.)

Cleanup bark, chips.  Use shovel, rake, and water hose

Clean catwalks and conveyor belts

Works at heights of excess of 50 feet

Outside work in all elements

Pulp Mill and Powerhouse:

Ground and outside person

Monitor equipment and relay information to “A” Operators

Make adjustments to equipment as needed

Emergency Response Team:

Production Operator Apprentice will be required to be a member of the Emergency Response Team

Fire, Confined Space, HazMat

Attend and participate in quarterly training

Work at heights and in confined spaces

Meet requirements to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Basic Qualifications: 

At least 18 years of age

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

24 months’ full-time work experience with 12 months industrial experience in the last 36 months

Ability to work 12-hour rotating day/night shifts and overtime

Good communication skills

Strong safety, attendance and teamwork background

Ability to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions)

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.

Must be authorized to work in the United States

Preferred qualifications: 5+ years’ experience in an industrial / manufacturing setting or equivalent military experience

The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Must be willing to work closely on a day-to-day basis with other production personnel.

Ability to share ideas with others to solve problems of essential importance.

Work with a sense of urgency.

Strong computer skills.

PCA provides a competitive comprehensive benefits package

Tests and Board Interview:

Those selected to go through the PCA hiring process will be asked to take a series of five written tests and take part in a structured board interview.

The five written tests are all timed and involve:

Basic mechanical principles

Basic arithmetic skills

The ability to visualize three-dimensional figures

The ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately

Basic verbal ability

The interview will be conducted by a four-person board and involves a review of each candidates:

Work history

Achievements and accomplishments

Knowledge and skill acquisition

Interpersonal skills and helpfulness

Task related likes and dislikes

Physical demands experienced on previous jobs

All qualified applicants must apply by July 5, 2026 at

Careers.packagingcorp.com

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories