Paper and Pulp Mill Operators

What the job involves

• Loads the digester with raw materials and chemicals
• Regulates and adjusts the temperature and pressure within the digester
• Tests samples by titration or standard colour test to determine completion of process
• Drains liquid from digester and monitors the removal of the cooked pulp
• Takes samples of bleached material for laboratory testing
• Washes bleached material and blends to obtain uniform quality
• May be required to add chemicals during the bleaching process and complete chemical or electrolytic tests
• Undertakes the addition of size, fillers, dyes, alum and chemicals, and tests for correct consistency
• Ensures transfer of completed batch to storage tanks where it is kept under agitation to maintain consistency
• May mix and cook colouring matter for dyeing product in the machine
• Controls flow of wet pulp through rotary screens to paper making machines
• Operates drier and calendar rollers
• Operates super-calendar to impart gloss and finish to surface of paper
• Operates machine to glaze or impregnate paper with coating mixture
• Separates sheets from felts and lays sheets in packs, re-presses packs
• Separates sheets from pack and dries

Key values of workers in Paper and Pulp Mill Operators

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Top skills required for workers in Paper and Pulp Mill Operators

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operation and Control

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Quality Control Analysis

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.