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Paper Mill Recovery Boiler 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 ...

Woodland Pulp LLC

E&I Technician in Training

Baileyville, ME · On-site

$27.50 - $40.15/hr

Experience in pulp and paper mill operations * Maine Electrical License (Journeyman or Master) or ability to obtain * Experience with recovery boiler instrumentation and safety systems * Knowledge of ...

Woodland Pulp LLC

E&I Technician in Training

Baileyville, ME · On-site

$27.50 - $40.15/hr

Experience in pulp and paper mill operations * Maine Electrical License (Journeyman or Master) or ability to obtain * Experience with recovery boiler instrumentation and safety systems * Knowledge of ...

Cascades

Boiler Operator

Ashland, VA · On-site

$39.25/hr

Join us as a Boiler Operator in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where ... Learn the layout of the mill and gain knowledge of the end-to-end papermaking process * Assist as ...

Pratt Industries

Junior Boiler Operator

Conyers, GA · On-site

Operating within a fast-paced power and steam production environment, the Junior Boiler Operator ... The Conyers campus features a paper recycling mill, corrugator, and box-making facilities. As part ...

Pratt Industries

Junior Boiler Operator

Conyers, GA · On-site

Operating within a fast-paced power and steam production environment, the Junior Boiler Operator ... The Conyers campus features a paper recycling mill, corrugator, and box-making facilities. As part ...

Canfor

Boiler Operator

Conway, SC · On-site

The Opportunity: Step into the role of a Boiler Operator , where you'll be responsible for ... Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood ...

Canfor

Boiler Operator

Conway, SC · On-site

The Opportunity: Step into the role of a Boiler Operator , where you'll be responsible for ... Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood ...

Canfor

Boiler Operator

Conway, SC · On-site

The Opportunity: Step into the role of a Boiler Operator , where you'll be responsible for ... Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood ...

pca

Pulp Mill Asst. Superintendent

Valdosta, GA · On-site

Paper Mill. The Asst. Superintendent is Responsible for safety and efficiently utilizing the full ... operating one recovery boiler, two package boilers, two combination fuel boilers, evaporators ...

J.D. Irving

Boiler Operator

Dixfield, ME · On-site

$28 - $39/hr

As a Boiler Operator at Irving Forest Products, you will play a crucial role in our sawmill ... We also supply wood chips for our growing Pulp & Paper Division. Careers at Irving Sawmills are ...

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Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator information

See salary details

$12

$28

$42

How much do paper mill recovery boiler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill recovery boiler operator in the United States is $28.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a paper mill recovery boiler operator do?

A Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring the recovery boiler system in a paper mill. This system recovers chemicals from the pulping process and generates steam for mill operations. Operators ensure the boiler runs safely and efficiently by controlling temperatures, pressures, and chemical feed rates. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety procedures to prevent accidents and maintain environmental compliance.

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

To thrive as a Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator, you need a solid understanding of boiler operations, chemical recovery processes, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma and relevant technical training. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), boiler instrumentation, and sometimes certifications like a boiler operator license are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of recovery boilers, which is vital for plant productivity and worker safety.

What are some common challenges faced by paper mill recovery boiler operators, and how can they be addressed?

Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operators often face challenges such as maintaining safe operating conditions, managing fluctuating loads, and responding to equipment malfunctions or emissions issues. Effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams is crucial for quick troubleshooting. Continuous monitoring of process parameters and adherence to safety protocols help minimize risks and ensure smooth operations. Regular training and staying updated with best practices also contribute to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectPaper Mill Recovery Boiler OperatorPower Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires boiler operator license or certificationRequires boiler operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentLocated in paper mills, handling recovery boilers for pulp and paper productionLocated in power plants, managing various types of boilers for electricity generation
Industry UsagePrimarily in pulp and paper industryIn energy and utility sectors
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor recovery boilers to process chemicals and produce energyOperate and control boilers to generate electricity and steam

Both roles require boiler operation certifications and involve managing boilers in industrial settings. However, Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operators focus on recovery boilers within paper mills, while Power Plant Operators work with boilers in energy production facilities. The choice depends on the industry and specific work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator jobs?

For Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paper Mill Recovery Boiler Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,966 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Recovery Boiler General Laborer (Kaukauna, WI)

Kaukauna, WI • On-site

Ahlstrom
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Ahlstromexternal

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Rodding out air ports and smelt spouts on recovery boilers to ensure process efficiency and safety

  • Performing general clean-up and housekeeping duties in the recovery, evaporator, and lime kiln areas of the mill

  • Assisting operators, troubleshooting system issues, and monitoring systems using technology and computers to maintain runnability

Ahlstrom rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Jumpstart your future - and your paycheck ($70,000+ your first year!!) with a growing and stable company. Ahlstrom's Thilmany Pulp & Paper mill in Kaukauna has immediate openings for Recovery Boiler General Laborers. If you have a good work ethic and are looking for not just a job, but a long-lasting career, Ahlstrom offers fast growth and advancement opportunities:
  • Competitive benefits package
  • Vacation benefits begin immediately
  • Paid on-the-job training

If you're eager to learn and are looking for not just a job, but a career we want to invest in you.
We are seeking Recovery Boiler General Laborers at our Thilmany Mill in Kaukauna.
  • Starting Pay - $27.80 per hour and increase to $29.81 per hour within your first month!
  • $3.75/hour shift premium for weekends
  • Our mill offers advancement opportunities to further your rate of pay and make this not just a job, but a career with the paper industry!

Main Responsibilities
  • Primary duties include rodding out air ports and smelt spouts on recovery boilers and following a structured timeline to ensure process efficiency and safety
  • General clean-up/housekeeping duties in the recovery, evaporator and lime kiln areas of the mill
  • Work in a team to assist operators, troubleshoot system issues, and perform other duties as assigned
  • Utilize technology and computers to monitor various systems and make educated adjustments as needed to maintain runnability
  • Work with a high regard for safety of yourself and others and participate in safety improvements throughout the facility
  • Must follow Ahlstrom's manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, as applicable to the position's areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.

Qualifications
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Ability to successfully pass a post-offer drug screen
  • Overtime is required and built in to the schedule rotation
  • Must be a safety-conscious person due to the many potential hazards associated with the operation of boiler systems and heavy equipment
  • Physical Requirements include:
    • Perform heavy work, defined as lifting 100 lb. maximum with help, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs
    • Perform physical upper body work while in very high temperature environment (varies, but could be 120+ degrees)
    • Perform work while wearing a heat suit to ensure safety near a boiler
    • Perform work while wearing a supplied air respirator (dependent on department)
    • Work around fast-moving machinery
    • Work at heights
    • Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions

What we offer
  • Medical, dental, vision coverage
  • Company provided life insurance and short-term disability
  • Long-term disability, Critical Illness, & Accident insurance
  • Competitive 401(K) plan - eligible to start day 1 of employment
  • Gainshare bonus program
  • Fitness center and Weight Watcher's membership reimbursement
  • ...and more!

Work Location and Schedule
  • Location: 600 Thilmany Rd, Kaukauna, WI 54130
  • Schedule: Ability to work rotating 8-hour shifts on a southern swing rotation. Straight shift openings not available.

If you're eager to learn and are looking for not just a job, but a career we want to invest in you.
Apply today & start your career with Ahlstrom!
Equal Opportunity Employer (m/f/d/v/so)
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Join our journey to create a more sustainable world with products and solutions that Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions.
We are deeply committed to building and maintaining safe and inclusive environment and culture, where everyone feels valued and respected. At Ahlstrom, we all have equal opportunities to belong and reach our full potential.
Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com

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