Job description Paper Machine Operator in Canada

Find out what work is like for a paper machine operator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Papermaking and finishing machine operators (NOC 94121).

Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators

Description

Pulp mill and papermaking and finishing machine operators operate and monitor various types of processing machinery and equipment to produce pulp and assist papermaking and coating control operators to produce, coat and finish paper. They are employed by pulp and paper companies.

Work week duration

Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Operate and monitor paper mill, papermaking and finishing process machinery and equipment such as screening equipment, bleaching equipment, digesters, mixing tanks and washers to carry out one or more cellulose processing steps and equipment such as dryers, laminators, cutters, coaters, calenders and hoists to carry out one or more papermaking and finishing process steps
  • Observe equipment and machinery panel indicators, gauges, level indicators and other equipment instruments to detect machinery and equipment malfunctions and ensure process steps are carried out according to specifications
  • Communicate with pulping, papermaking and coating control operator to make process adjustments and start up or shut down machinery and equipment as required
  • Collect processing samples and conduct titration tests, pH readings, specific density tests and other routine tests on pulp and solutions
  • Inspect paper visually for wrinkles, holes, discolouration, streaks or other defects and take corrective action
  • Complete and maintain production reports.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Standing
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Walking and running

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Pulp and paper companies

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Standard safety equipment
  • Sound and noise
  • Indoors, environmentally controlled
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 94121), and a list of similar occupations:

  • assistant bleacher operator - pulp and paper
  • assistant coating operator - pulp and paper
  • calender operator - pulp and paper
  • cook - pulp and paper
  • digester operator - pulp and paper
  • embossing calender operator - pulp and paper
  • fourth hand - pulp and paper
  • graderman/woman - pulp and paper
  • grinderman/woman - pulp and paper
  • paper-coating machine operator
  • paper machine operator
  • refiner operator - pulp and paper
  • sheeter operator - pulp and paper
  • thermomechanical pulp operator
  • winderman/woman - pulp and paper

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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