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Paper Mill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Shreveport, LA

$85K/yr

Perform other tasks as required by Mill Management Salary Compensation: Paper Machine Operators will be Salaried Non-Exempt (qualify for overtime above 40 hrs./week) Starting Base Salary: $37,440/yr ...

Clearwater Paper

Extruders_Paper Machine

Lewiston, ID

$24.86/hr

Where you will work The Lewiston mill is the largest of Clearwater Paper's facilities, producing ... Fill in as needed due to time off vacancies * Assist other Operators as needed throughout the ...

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Shreveport, LA · On-site

$85K/yr

Perform other tasks as required by Mill Management Salary Compensation: Paper Machine Operators will be Salaried Non-Exempt (qualify for overtime above 40 hrs./week) Starting Base Salary: $37,440/yr ...

Sappi

Mill Reserve / Production Operator

Cloquet, MN · On-site

$29.33/hr

Experience working in a physically demanding role and/or in an industrial manufacturing/paper mill setting High school diploma or equivalent is required. A valid drivers license is required. The ...

SOFIDEL

Paper Machine Leader

Inola, OK · On-site

... mill. You will be responsible for monitoring operations, addressing personnel issues, and ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Do you thrive on hands-on problem-solving and leading a team to success? We're looking for a motivated Paper Machine Operator to become a key player in our paper mill operations! This isn't just a ...

Pratt Industries

Paper Machine Operator

Valparaiso, IN

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Do you thrive on hands-on problem-solving and leading a team to success? We're looking for a motivated Paper Machine Operator to become a key player in our paper mill operations! This isn't just a ...

Westrock

Mill Production - Entry Level (P)

Longview, WA · On-site

$23.41 - $27.55/hr

General Information Posting Job Title Mill Production - Entry Level - Paper Mill Locations WA ... We are seeking entry level operators for the pulp, paper or logistics departments. Our operators ...

Combined Metals

Mill Operator - 1st Shift

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Load coils into the mill and remove scrap and paper waste from the process. * Remove finished coils and physically lift and change work rolls as necessary. * Serve as the data entry clerk to properly ...

Smurfit Westrock

Mgr II, Mfg Ops

Longview, WA · On-site

... paper 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 ...

SOFIDEL

Feeding Pulper Operator

Inola, OK · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Position Overview Sofidel America of Inola is currently seeking a Pulp Feeding Operator in Paper Mill Dept. We are searching for a candidate who is local to the area and is looking for a long-term ...

Westrock

Mgr II, Mfg Ops

Longview, WA · On-site

$121K - $203K/yr

... paper 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 ...

Domtar

Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine

Kingsport, TN

$99K - $128K/yr

Able to condense information from manuals and drawings and explain to the mill operators * Quality ... B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field from an accredited university

Domtar

Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

Able to condense information from manuals and drawings and explain to the mill operators * Quality ... B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field from an accredited university

Smurfit Westrock

Sr. Mgr, Mfg Ops

Evadale, TX · On-site

Paper Mill Department Manager Job Code: MOPOM5 + Sr. Mgr, Mfg Ops Location: Evadale, TX The ... Support development of operating financial plan for the department and monthly variance analysis

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Paper Mill Operator information

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How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.
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Paper Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,326 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Maintenance Superintendent - Paper Mill & Converting Operations

Fedrigoni Special Papers North America

Waterford, NY • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

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Job description

Position Summary

The Maintenance Superintendent provides leadership and oversight for all maintenance and boiler plant activities at the mill. This role ensures high equipment reliability, minimal unplanned downtime, safe operations, and efficient maintenance execution. The superintendent is responsible for managing a skilled trades workforce, implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, leading reliability initiatives, supporting capital projects, and driving continuous improvement in maintenance processes.

This position is hands-on in leadership while maintaining a strategic focus on long-term reliability and operational excellence.


Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Leadership & Workforce Management

  • Lead the maintenance department, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and boiler personnel.
  • Communicate with operating and engineering teams in prioritizing work.
  • Plan workforce deployment, manage performance, and promote technical development.
  • Supervise hiring, training, and development of maintenance and boiler plant personnel.
  • Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

Maintenance Planning & Execution

  • Direct day-to-day maintenance activities across paper, converting, and boiler operations.
  • Assign qualified personnel to jobs, ensure parts/materials availability, and monitor work quality.
  • Implement and oversee formal planning and scheduling processes to maximize labor efficiency and minimize production disruption.
  • Plan and coordinate major maintenance outages and equipment shutdowns, including scope development, contractor coordination, and schedule adherence.
  • Ensure safe execution and minimal disruption to production.

Reliability & Asset Management

  • Lead reliability programs including preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).
  • Implement root cause failure analysis (RCFA) to prevent recurring equipment issues.
  • Identify chronic equipment challenges and drive long-term solutions to improve uptime and asset life.
  • Lead maintenance-related continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, efficiency, and safety.
  • Participate in cross-functional improvement teams and apply structured problem-solving methods.
  • Standardize maintenance procedures and promote lean practices.

Budgeting & Cost Control

  • Monitor and manage maintenance budgets including labor, materials, contractors, and services.
  • Provide input to capital planning and ensure cost-effective equipment maintenance and upgrades.


Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical, Instrumentation & Controls, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety leadership, ensuring OSHA, other agencies and company’s policies and standards.
  • Minimum 8 years of industrial maintenance experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role in a heavy manufacturing environment (paper/converting preferred).
  • Experience managing a 15–25 person maintenance department is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems: pumps, compressors, gearboxes, bearings, hydraulics, pneumatics, steam systems, boiler auxiliaries.
  • Electrical experience: 480V & 600V 3-phase distribution, MCCs, VFDs, and soft starters.
  • Familiarity with PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, sensors, and process automation.
  • Proficiency with CMMS/EAM software and maintenance planning tools.
  • Understanding of boiler plant operations and associated safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience with preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs, including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.

Leadership & Management

  • Strong supervisory and leadership abilities with skilled trades personnel.
  • Ability to drive reliability, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across operations, engineering, and management teams.
  • Budget management and cost control experience.


Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Exposure to industrial noise, heat, humidity, steam, moving equipment, and confined spaces typical of a paper mill.
  • Walking throughout the mill to supervise projects; stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching as required.
  • Ascending/descending stairs and ladders; limited headroom in certain basement areas.
  • Average of 2–4 hours/day sitting for meetings and computer work.
  • Required personal protective equipment: steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses, and other PPE as applicable.