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Paper Mill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Mgr I, Mfg Ops

Longview, WA · On-site

$93K - $155K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

SOFIDEL

PM Shift Supervisor

Inola, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... operating guidelines. Perform other related duties as assigned. Job Requirements * An Associate's degree and three (3) years of experience in a paper mill is preferred, or a high school diploma or ...

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

Sofidel

Feeding Pulper Operator

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$22.99/hr

Sofidel America of Inola, OK 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 role in a stable ...

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 ...

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Paper Mill Operator information

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How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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, and why are they important?

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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What cities are hiring for Paper Mill Operator jobs? Cities with the most Paper Mill Operator job openings:
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Paper Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,326 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Mgr I, Mfg Ops

Mgr I, Mfg Ops

Westrock

Longview, WA • On-site

$93K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR60613
Posting Job Title
Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent
Locations
WA Longview Mill
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
16-Apr-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
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.
The opportunity:
The Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent is responsible for Paper Machine safety performance, environmental performance, product quality, costs and equipment efficiency, and productivity. This position will direct a system with the purpose of optimizing overall paper machine performance results. The Paper Machine Asst Supt is also responsible for the direction of an Operations Maintenance Coordinator, process engineering support, operator training program, and union hourly employees assigned to the paper machine.
How you will impact WestRock:
  • Actively assist in developing a safety culture at the floor level resulting in an injury free workplace and assist in implementing 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, uptime, quality rejects, and other paper machine improvement projects.
  • Implement and drive process to ensure proper performance machine rounds are completed and operator logs reviewed multiple times per day.
  • Prepare and plan for outages and Lock Out/Tag Out and lead the execution strategy.
  • Serve as the floor level lead in the implementation of a Continuous Improvement culture.
  • Lead the RI process and ensure actionable items completed timely.
  • Drive capital improvement process on Paper Machine. Determine needs, develop projects, and be operations lead through the entire capital process.
  • Drive cost reduction process. Monitor costs (chemical, maintenance, machine clothing, etc) and develop cost reduction priorities. Implement cost reduction processes.
  • Quality control oversight for Paper Machine.
  • Working with planning on machine schedules and grade structure.
  • Working with vendors to optimize machine and achieve target reliability.
  • Facilitate the development of the knowledge and skills of employees to improve machine performance.
  • Periodic weekend duty coverage as Paper Mill Representative.
  • Actively demonstrate support for Paper Mill Manager and assigned machine core team including attending Core Team Meetings.
  • Develop a positive, proactive, enthused, and energized workforce.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Paper Mill Manager.

What you need to succeed:
  • A BS degree in Engineering or equitant Paper Machine Supervisory experience.
  • 10+ years of Machine Level Supervisory Experience is preferred.
  • Strong trouble shooting and decision-making skills required.
  • Strong organizational skills and acumen for analytical tools to provide direction to Process Engineer.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • Computer skills /ability to develop a proficiency is mandatory.
  • Periodic weekend duty.
  • Respond to machine issues afterhours, weekends, holidays as required.
  • Position requires regular keyboarding, sitting, standing and walking as well as occasional lifting of 25lbs or more. Work is performed in both an office environment and all paper mill operational areas where one may be exposed to environmental noises and hazards as well as severe climate changes.
  • Use of proper personal protection equipment is required depending on the location and potential hazards including safety shoes, safety vest, hard hat, gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses, and respiratory protection.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities
  • Manages paper machine engineering support team members, Paper Machine Operations Maintenance Coordinator, and Paper Machine Crews. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work at the crew level; performance management; mentoring; managing disciplinary actions; fielding complaints and communicating to Paper Mill Manager to assist in problem resolution.
  • Position has direct reporting responsibilities to the Paper Mill Manager which includes assignment of work to Crews and compliance with policies and applicable laws and oversight of individual salaried performance or issues.
  • Directs and supervises the work of contract employees on floor level activities.
  • Provides assistance to cross-functional project teams as assigned by the Paper Machine Manager.
  • Manage and maintain operations within allocated performance metrics and floor level budget metrics.

Compensation Offered
  • Salary Range: $93,375 - $155,625 Salary based on experience of candidate. Short-Term Incentive Plan bonus available.

Benefits Offered
WestRock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and WestRock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).
What we offer:
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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.
The salary range for this position is $91,500.00 - $152,500.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Jul-2026.

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