9235 – Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators

Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators operate and monitor multi-function process control machinery and equipment to control the processing of wood, scrap pulp, recyclable paper, cellulose materials, paper pulp and paperboard. They are employed by pulp and paper companies.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

Batch operator – pulp and paper

Beater engineer – pulp and paper

Beater room lead hand – pulp and paper

Bleach plant operator – pulp and paper

Control room operator – pulp and paper

Cooking systems operator – pulp and paper

Cylinder machine operator – pulp and paper

Panel operator – pulp and paper

Panelboard operator – pulp and paper

Paper machine control operator

Paper maker – control operation

Peroxide bleach plant operator – pulp and paper

Pulping control operator

Pulping group operator – pulp and paper

Pulping technician

Recovery plant operator – pulp and paper

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Operate, co-ordinate and monitor pulping, papermaking and papercoating process equipment from central control room or machine consoles and control panels in equipment cabins to control process operations and machinery in the production of pulp and paper

Control the processing of wood, scrap pulp, recyclable paper, cellulose materials, pulp paper and paperboard and monitor the chemical and physical process operations using a distributed control system and process computers

Observe panel indicators, gauges, video monitors and other instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure pulping, papermaking and coating processes are operating according to process specifications

Analyze instrument readings and production test samples and make adjustments or direct other pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators to make adjustments to pulp production, papermaking and coating process and equipment as required

Complete and maintain production reports.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.

A college or other program in forest products processing or a related subject may be required for pulping control operators.

Completion of several weeks of formal company training and several months of on-the-job training is required.

Several years of experience as a pulp mill, papermaking or finishing machine operator within the same company is usually required.

A certificate in industrial first aid may be required.

A competency certificate in natural gas may be required.

Additional information

There is limited mobility among jobs within this unit group.

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Exclusions

Papermaking and finishing machine operators (9433)

Pulp mill machine operators (9432)

Supervisors, forest products processing (9215)