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Paper Mill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Domtar

Paper Mill Manager

Johnsonburg, PA · On-site

Your Role: The responsibility of this role is to direct and lead operating performance for the Paper Mill Department, including safety, environmental, quality, cost control, productivity, and ...

Domtar

Paper Mill Manager

Johnsonburg, PA · On-site

Your Role: The responsibility of this role is to direct and lead operating performance for the Paper Mill Department, including safety, environmental, quality, cost control, productivity, and ...

USG Corporation

Paper Mill Department Manager

Otsego, MI · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Utilizes a thorough knowledge of all equipment, operating techniques, and paper industry guidelines. Directs efforts in the upkeep and upgrade of the paper mill through capital, infrastructure, non ...

Kruger, Inc.

Paper Mill Asset Leader

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Paper Mill Asset Leader , you will be at the forefront of driving safety, operational ... Coach, mentor, and develop operators and team members to strengthen technical and leadership ...

Smurfit Westrock

Paper Machine Superintendent

Longview, WA · On-site

$121K - $203K/yr

... mill safety efforts at the crew level. * Develop and implement process to promote safety engagement with operating team members. * Lead Paper Machine Performance in regard to productivity, uptime ...

J.D. Irving

Process Engineer, Paper Mill

NY · On-site

$61K - $92K/yr

Collaborate with operators, technicians, and cross-functional teams to develop, improve, and ... Lead and support cross-functional paper mill projects involving multiple departments (Converting ...

Norpac Paper

Paper Machine Relief Team Leader

Longview, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Model INTERNATIONAL PAPER/ NORPAC Mill Employee Expectations, reinforce policy and operating expectations, support business decisions, and address behaviors or barriers that prevent results. * Coach ...

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Paper Mill Operator information

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How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill operator in the United States is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a paper mill operator do?

A Paper Mill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the machinery used to produce paper products in a manufacturing facility. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, inspecting finished products for quality, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Operators must ensure that safety and environmental regulations are followed while keeping the production process running smoothly. They may also handle raw materials, keep detailed records, and perform basic maintenance on equipment.

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

To thrive as a Paper Mill Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, computerized control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain a safe working environment in the mill.

What are some common challenges paper mill operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively address them?

Paper Mill Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and managing tight production schedules. To address these issues, operators are trained to troubleshoot equipment quickly, follow strict safety and maintenance protocols, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Staying vigilant and proactive, as well as participating in ongoing training, helps operators adapt to changing production demands and minimize downtime.

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

AspectPaper Mill OperatorPaper Machine Tender
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma; technical training or certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating machinery in a paper millSame manufacturing plant, focusing on operating and monitoring paper machines
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating paper production equipment, monitoring quality, maintaining machineryAdjusting machine settings, troubleshooting, ensuring continuous paper production

Both roles work within paper manufacturing plants, requiring technical skills and machinery operation. While Paper Mill Operators oversee overall production and quality, Paper Machine Tenders focus more on operating and fine-tuning paper machines during production. The roles are closely related, often overlapping, but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.

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Paper Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,326 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Paper Mill Manager

Johnsonburg, PA • On-site

Domtar
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Domtarexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Domtar rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world.
Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.
The location in Johnsonburg, (Pennsylvania, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Paper Mill Manager. This job is full-time permanent.
Your Role:
The responsibility of this role is to direct and lead operating performance for the Paper Mill Department, including safety, environmental, quality, cost control, productivity, and employee relations and engagement. The Paper Mill area is comprised of two paper machines producing a total of 1046 tpd. The machines produce a wide range of papers with basis weights from 26# to 70# per 3300, high bulk to super smooth. These operations include the direction of all operation salaried employees and indirect supervision of all hourly operations and some hourly maintenance employees. This position reports directly to the Mill Manager.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Safety, environmental and quality leader of the mill's operating team; including Paper Mill Departments.
  • Lead, motivate, and support a team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment, including setup and implementation of career development plans for all direct reports and problem resolution.
  • Responsible for personnel succession and development planning for the unit.
  • Conduct budget reviews and manage cost improvement plans.
  • Engage in long-term planning to create initiatives that further the mill's goals.
  • Assess budget information to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
  • Creates budgets, studies business forecasts, and analyzes financial data to control business unit costs.
  • Identifying potential problems and work to find solutions to maximize efficiency and revenue.
  • Identifying opportunities to position the mill for maximum profitability.
  • Manage data collection to update operations metrics to achieve productivity targets, reduce costs per unit, eliminate errors, and deliver excellent quality performance.
  • Drives strategy and execution in all areas and holds the business unit accountable for delivering the desired results.
  • Maintains a presence on the plant floor, driving two-way communication with all employees.
  • Effectively communicates business unit goals and results to peers, superiors, and corporate stakeholders.
  • Embraces reliability practices including planning & scheduling, essential care, and condition monitoring.
  • Ensures the quality of product leaving the mill meets or exceeds customer expectations through the consistent use of quality systems, operator training and auditing.
  • Leads the annual and long-term capital planning process championing projects deemed important to the department.

Your Profile:
  • Bachelor's degree in paper, Engineering or a related field
  • 10+ years experience working in paper manufacturing
  • 15+ years leadership experience
  • Exceptionally strong leadership skills
  • Strong relationship and teamwork values
  • Strong coach and mentor, leading by example
  • Expert in Reliability and Continuous Improvement principles and techniques
  • Experience with Unions

You will be required to successfully complete a selection process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a fitness-for-duty test (for some positions).
Domtar is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team.
To learn more about our company, consult the Domtar Company Web Site and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

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