1

Paper Machine Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee - Paper Bowl - Night

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Paper Bowl Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and basic maintenance of paper bowl equipment. This role ensures the production of high-quality paper ...

Operator Trainee - Paper Bowl - Day

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Paper Bowl Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and basic maintenance of paper bowl equipment. This role ensures the production of high-quality paper ...

* The Paper Bowl Assistant Operator supports the operation of paper bowl machines to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. The role involves loading raw material, clearing jams ...

Assistant Operator - Paper Bowl - Night

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

* The Paper Bowl Assistant Operator supports the operation of paper bowl machines to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. The role involves loading raw material, clearing jams ...

Supv, Mfg Ops

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

This role covers the paper machine, recycle, and shipping. This is a rotating shift. How you will ... Interprets and enforces company policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.

Provides coverage for machine operators if necessary. Notifies shift supervisor of recurring ... Exposure paper dust, minor cuts, punctures, and abrasions. Minor risk of repetitive motion injuries.

Supv, Mfg Ops

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

This role covers the paper machine, recycle, and shipping. This is a rotating shift. How you will ... Interprets and enforces company policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.

Supv, Mfg Ops

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

This role covers the paper machine, recycle, and shipping. This is a rotating shift. How you will ... Interprets and enforces company policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and ... Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a ...

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and ... Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a ...

Supv, Mfg Ops

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

This role covers the paper machine, recycle, and shipping. This is a rotating shift. How you will ... Interprets and enforces company policies, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Paper Machine Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do paper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper machine operator in Virginia is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paper machine operator?

Paper Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for running and maintaining machines that produce paper from raw materials like wood pulp. They monitor machine settings, inspect finished paper for quality, and adjust equipment as needed to ensure efficient operation. Their duties also include troubleshooting mechanical problems and performing routine maintenance. Paper Machine Operators play a vital role in the manufacturing process, ensuring that paper products meet industry standards and customer requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paper machine operator?

To thrive as a Paper Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical operations, troubleshooting, and production processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, computerized control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help operators manage workflow and respond quickly to issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and ensuring a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by paper machine operators on the job?

Paper Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine performance, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring product quality standards are met. The fast-paced environment requires quick decision-making and attention to detail, especially when responding to unexpected issues like paper breaks or mechanical faults. Operators must also coordinate closely with maintenance crews and quality control teams to minimize downtime and keep production running smoothly.

What is the difference between Paper Machine Operator vs Paper Mill Technician?

AspectPaper Machine OperatorPaper Mill Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor of paper mills, operating machineryMaintenance and repair areas within paper mills, supporting machinery
Industry UsagePrimarily in paper manufacturing plantsInvolved in maintaining and troubleshooting paper production equipment

The Paper Machine Operator focuses on running and monitoring paper production machines, ensuring quality and efficiency. In contrast, the Paper Mill Technician primarily handles maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of equipment. Both roles are essential in paper manufacturing, often working closely to ensure smooth operations.

What does a paper machine operator do?

A paper machine operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of paper manufacturing machines to produce quality paper products. They set up equipment, adjust machine settings, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed in a manufacturing environment. Strong technical skills and attention to detail are essential for maintaining efficient production and troubleshooting issues.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Machine Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Paper Machine Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paper Machine Operator job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,502 per year, or $18 per hour.

Paper Mill Shift Supervisor

West Point, VA • On-site

Smurfit Westrock
Paper Manufacturing

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 280 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY:

The WestRock Paper Mill in West Point, VA is currently seeking a Production Supervisor for the Paper and Shipping departments. This position is responsible for the successful frontline leadership of the daily operation of 3 containerboard paper machines, recycle fiber plant, and shipping/logistics to achieve maximum sustained safety excellence, environmental compliance, ensuring quality specifications are followed and meeting or exceeding production goals.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK:

  • Responsible for demonstrating safety leadership, maintaining safe work practices in department, and promoting safety engagement with all crew members to eliminate safety incidents.
  • Delivers environmental excellence and compliance to both the letter and the spirit of the law. Supports all environmental initiatives and programs.
  • Responsible for the product quality, workmanship of the crews, and exceeding customer expectations.
  • Responsible for managing crews and equipment to maximize reliability and machine efficiencies. Helps troubleshoot issues and coordinate supporting resources.
  • Provide Leadership and coaching to rotating shift operational crews in the Paper and Shipping Departments
  • Facilitate the training of each crew member to maximize operator proficiencies.
  • Initiates and supports safety, environmental, and quality incident investigations.
  • Effectively communications production information and issues to appropriate personnel through multiple channels.
  • Directs the shift mechanical and electrical shift maintenance resources.
  • Supports planning and execution of machine outages in the Department
  • Responsible for maintaining housekeeping in all areas.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Engineering or related field with 3+ years relevant experience or High School diploma/GED and 10+ years related experience.
  • Working knowledge in most of these programs: Outlook Email, Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office to include Word, and Excel with the ability to learn new applications.
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills and the ability to make decisions based on alarm or upset process conditions that may be critical in preventing major breakdowns.
  • Excellent planning, organizational, time management and prioritization skills
  • Ability to select and properly use personal protective equipment according to the specific hazard or hazards in accordance with Company and department requirements.
  • Leadership and Motivational Skills
  • Previous work experience in a unionized location is preferred
  • Previous supervisory experience is preferred
  • Computer working knowledge such as Microsoft Office, IT Basics, EPAM, PI
  • Analytical and Decision-making skills
  • Ability to work rotating 8-hour shifts

Keywords: paper machine shift supervisor, paper machine tour foreman, tour foreman, paper foreman, production supervisor, paper machine supervisor, paper mill supervisor, paper mill shift supervisor, shift supervisor, production shift supervisor, shift coordinator, shift production supervisor, foreman, tour foreman, shift foreman, shift manager, front line manager, area leader, area manager, front line leader, shift manager, front line manager, team lead, team leader, crew leader, group leader, paper machine shift manager, paper machine, shift mill supervisor, mill supervisor, mill shift supervisor, shift supervisor, shift supervisor, shift leader, paper mill shift leader, paper machine shift leader, shift paper machine leader, paper machine leader, paper, stock prep, shipping, containerboard, sbb, sbs, boxboard, liner, linerboard, paperboard, corrugated medium, bleach board, medium paper, white top liner, kraft paper

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.


What Smurfit Westrock employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom