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Paper Mill Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Early Career Engineer

Arkansas City, AR · On-site

$63K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Lewiston mill is the original Clearwater Paper manufacturing facility, producing paperboard ... Leads the technical process for operating areas to solve equipment and process-related problems

New

Operations Leader - Pulper

Crossett, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Job Georgia-Pacific is seeking an Operations Leader - Pulp to support our Crossett Paper Mill ... Partner with operations, maintenance, and reliability teams to improve asset performance, operating ...

New

Process Engineer

Pine Bluff, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Process Engineer plays a key role in supporting our paper mill operations by driving process ... Work closely with operators, managers, and other engineers to ensure process reliability and ...

Process Engineer

Pine Bluff, AR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Process Engineer plays a key role in supporting our paper mill operations by driving process ... Work closely with operators, managers, and other engineers to ensure process reliability and ...

General Mechanic

Pine Bluff, AR · On-site

$33.18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Must be able to engage in repetitive motions, such as typing, grasping, or operating machinery and ... Paper mill experience * Pneumatics experience We are pleased to offer an attractive compensation ...

General Mechanic I

Pine Bluff, AR

$35.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Must be able to engage in repetitive motions, such as typing, grasping, or operating machinery and ... Paper mill experience * Pneumatics experience We are pleased to offer an attractive compensation ...

New

Production Operator - Gurdon Plywood

Gurdon, AR · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work in a non-climate-controlled mill, with dust, noise and temperatures that can be higher in the ... Who We Are As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based ...

New

Production Operator - Gurdon Lumber

Gurdon, AR · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work in a non-climate-controlled mill, with dust, noise and temperatures that can be higher in the ... Who We Are As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based ...

New

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Paper Mill Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$11

$16

$23

How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill operator in Arkansas is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Paper Mill Operator jobs in Arkansas?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in Arkansas 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 $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Early Career Engineer

Clearwater Paper

Arkansas City, AR • On-site

$63K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Clearwater Paper rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Where you will work

This opportunity will be based onsite at one of our three fully integrated mills, which includes Augusta, GA, Cypress Bend, AR or Lewiston, ID.  

The Augusta mill sits along the Savannah River, on the state border between Georgia and South Carolina and manufactures light, medium, and heavy weight coated paperboard.

TheCypress Bend facility is in the historic Mississippi River Delta and produces bleached paperboard and bleached Kraft pulp, used in the production of folding cartons, commercial print paperboard, carded packaging, and cup stock. 

The Lewiston mill is the original Clearwater Paper manufacturing facility, producing paperboard products. Approximately two hours away from Clearwater Paper’s headquarters in Spokane, Washington, the Lewiston paper mill is a key component in Clearwater Paper’s business strategy. 

Your Development

The Clearwater Paper Early Career Engineer role is a rotational development opportunity for recent college graduates to experience various aspects of the business through varied assignments. The rotations are designed to develop a strong foundation of technical skills, business acumen and gain valuable work experience within various areas of the paper mill.  Each rotation provides an opportunity to explore your passions and refine your discipline within the field of engineering.

Technical Assistance

  • Evaluates innovative technologies, implements process changes and develops systems to reduce operating costs, increase production and improve quality
  • Leads the technical process for operating areas to solve equipment and process-related problems
  • Provides support data for all reports and performance updates
  • Data analysis to reduce variability or improve performance
  • Reviews production schedules and suggests modifications for reduced downtime and/or changeovers where applicable
  • Assists with designing solutions to eliminate equipment failures and process instabilities
  • Writes procedures, trains operators, and monitors compliance with quality procedures
  • Organizes shutdown schedules for operations where applicable

Process Improvement

  • Develops working knowledge of all process areas in areas including process flow, operator responsibility, major quality attributes, and areas for improvement.
  • Initiates conducts and documents results of process trials to improve productivity and/or quality
  • Assists with proposals to justify capital expenditure, help manages technical aspects and assist with coordination of start-up of capital projects
  • Recommends and implements process improvements or chemical changes to improve the overall operation where applicable
  • Assists with data collection for justification of capital expenditures and coordination of start-ups
  • Conducts crew training in new process equipment or chemical additives
  • Monitors process variables and recommend changes in operation for improved performance
  • Optimize process by identifying and eliminating root causes of process variations

Key Competences and Attributes

  • Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating, and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions
  • Taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences
  • Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying innovative approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful
  • Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes; identifying improvement opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions

What you will need

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Paper Science or Electrical Engineering preferred
  • Internship in the manufacturing industry or paper experience preferred
  • Basic knowledge of PI (Process Information System)
  • Previous experience using a Production Management system preferred
  • Good verbal and written communication skills required
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and an intermediate level
  • Industrial Environment – subject to extreme heat and cold
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn in the mill environment
  • Noisy, dusty, and working around moving equipment

Total Rewards Details 

We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data.  Actual offers account for internal equity and the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off includes vacation days, personal days, and company holidays. For more on our compensation philosophy, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at Talent.Acquisition@clearwaterpaper.com.

Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position.  Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

This role will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks or at the point a successful candidate is selected.


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