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Paper Mill Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Stevenson, AL · On-site

... mill operating areas. This position manages and supports the implementation of capital projects ... The Stevenson Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two ...

International Paper

Area Process Manager-Pulp

Selma, AL · On-site

$108K - $144K/yr

Build effective systems and materials such as operating procedures (SOP), troubleshooting documents ... in a paper mill. * Proven Safety Leadership Skills * Proven Leadership of hourly employees ...

International Paper

First Line Leader - OCC

Selma, AL

$82K - $110K/yr

Selma, AL Riverdale Mill, located in Selma AL, is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper ... Mill's operating areas, and works in partnership with the area OCC FLL's to ensure the reliable ...

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All JobsPaper Mill Operator JobsPaper Mill Operator Jobs in Alabama

Paper Mill Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill operator in Alabama is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.05 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.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama?

For Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama are:

Paper Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,364 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Electrical Maintenance Supervisor - Pulp & Paper

Selma, AL

Great Bay Staffing Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Great Bay Staffing Groupexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

$95,000–$130,000 + Bonus Potential

Selma, Alabama

The Opportunity

This is a leadership role inside a fully integrated pulp and paper mill running two machines, with process operations spanning wood handling, pulping and OCC, power and recovery, sheeting, and effluent treatment. You'd lead a ten-person electrical and instrumentation maintenance crew supporting one of the mill's operating areas, reporting directly to the Area Maintenance Manager and partnering closely with the Mechanical team to keep the area running.

This isn't a maintenance tech role — it's a supervisory position with real authority over people, priorities, and reliability outcomes in a complex industrial environment.

Why You'll Love This Role

You'll own the safety, engagement, and reliability results for your crew — not just execute someone else's plan. That means running 1:1s, identifying training gaps, and building development plans for your team members directly.

You'll work within established reliability systems (RCFA, PM/PdM, Precision Maintenance), so you're not building process from scratch — you're driving execution and continuous improvement within a mature framework.

There's a clear path up: this is one of the largest paper companies in the world, and the company has flagged genuine promotional opportunity into upper management for supervisors who perform.

Relocation assistance is paid.

What Your Week Looks Like
  • Direct daily planning and scheduling for your E/I crew, coordinating priorities with Operations through daily and weekly meetings
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues alongside your team and drive solutions
  • Manage team compliance, time and attendance, and labor agreement requirements
  • Coordinate with the Area Maintenance Manager and other mill areas to share resources when maintenance demands spike
  • Approve pay and vacation scheduling, and handle the administrative work that keeps your crew running smoothly
  • Serve periodically on the Maintenance department's weekend duty rotation
  • Step in as contractor coordinator when outside vendor resources are needed
What We're Looking For
  • B.S. in Engineering or a related technical field
  • 2–7 years of manufacturing experience, ideally in electrical maintenance and/or the paper industry
  • Prior supervisory experience — required
  • Hands-on maintenance experience specifically in a Pulp & Paper facility — required
  • Working knowledge of PLCs; familiarity with Allen Bradley and ABB drive systems is a plus
  • Proficiency with Microsoft applications and SAP PM
  • A track record of leading and developing direct reports
Why Candidates Say Yes
  • Real leadership scope from day one — a ten-person crew and full ownership of area reliability
  • A defined track toward management within one of the world's largest paper companies
  • Established reliability systems already in place, so you're improving performance, not inventing infrastructure
  • Paid relocation to make the move straightforward
Ready to Apply?

If you've got supervisory experience in a pulp and paper environment and you're ready to lead your own crew rather than just be part of one, this is worth a conversation.

Great Bay Staffing represents candidates with complete confidentiality. Your resume will never be shared with a client without your knowledge and approval.