94121 – Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
Lead statement
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.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- A college diploma in forest products processing or a related subject may be required.
- Completion of several weeks of formal company training and/or on-the-job training is required.
- Previous experience as a labourer 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.
Example job titles
acid maker - pulp and paper · assistant bleacher operator - pulp and paper · assistant digester operator - pulp and paper · beater operator - pulp and paper · bleach boiler tender · bleacher tender - pulp and paper · rag stock bleacher · blow pit tender - pulp and paper · breaker - pulp and paper · breakerman/woman - pulp and paper · broke beater tender - pulp and paper · brown stock washer - pulp and paper · causticizer operator · centri-cleaner tender - pulp and paper · chemical pulping plant operator - pulp and paper · cook's first helper - pulp and paper · decker tender - pulp and paper · decker operator - pulp and paper · digester tender - pulp and paper · insulation board dryer tender · evaporator tender - pulp and paper · field operator - pulp and paper · filter operator - pulp and paper · grinder loader - pulp and paper · grinder operator - pulp and paper · pulp tester - pulp and paper · stock tester - pulp and paper · lime kiln operator - pulp and paper · lime sludge mixer · liquor maker - pulp and paper · pulp mill machine operator · pulp dryer operator · pulp grader · pulp mill equipment operator · refiner operator - pulp and paper · pulp bleach liquor maker · recovery operator - pulp and paper · screen room operator - pulp and paper · screen tender - pulp and paper · pulp and paper size maker
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $22.00 | $32.01 | $45.50 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $22.00 | $35.00 | $42.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $22.91 | $30.13 | $37.20 |
| New Brunswick | $31.00 | $35.00 | $42.00 |
| Quebec | $25.85 | $32.25 | $46.00 |
| Ontario | $19.00 | $24.94 | $40.00 |
| Manitoba | $22.00 | $32.00 | $42.00 |
| Alberta | $34.04 | $47.71 | $58.42 |
| British Columbia | $26.96 | $38.00 | $47.98 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.