Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
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.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 4
Skill Level
NB, AB, BC
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school is required.
- checkA college diploma in forest products processing or a related subject may be required.
- checkCompletion of several weeks of formal company training and/or on-the-job training is required.
- checkPrevious experience as a labourer within the same company is usually required.
- checkA certificate in industrial first aid may be required.
- checkA competency certificate in natural gas may be required.
Market Outlook by Province
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators (NOC 94121) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators in New Brunswick: Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 95% 80% of pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 34% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators (NOC 94121) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators in Alberta: Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 88%Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 12% 74% of pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 6% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 56% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
British Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators (NOC 94121) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Employment in forestry-related professions has been declining year-over-year, and the industry faces several curtailments at wood manufacturing facilities. Stable job growth continues to be inhibited by difficulty accessing economic fibre, falling annual harvests, high U.S. duties and tariffs, and the impacts of extreme weather and wildfires, though the industry remains particularly important to rural and Indigenous communities. Provincial and federal funding for reforestation projects as well as support for wood manufacturing and mass timber may provide some employment opportunities.Here are some key facts about pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators in British Columbia: Approximately 800 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 94% 71% of pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 91% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 9% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 61% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 4 occupations typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Not eligible for Express Entry but may qualify through provincial programs.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Atlantic Immigration Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
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Search Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operatorsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Operation and Control
to ensure machinery operates within specified parameters to produce paper of consistent quality
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
to ensure consistent production quality, optimize efficiency, detect and addresses issues promptly, maintain safety standards and ensure compliance with regulations
Arm-Hand Steadiness
to accurately handle tools, adjust machinery settings and perform precise tasks, ensuring consistent product quality
Control of Settings
to precisely set machinery to prevent malfunctions and guarantee the final paper product meets specific industry standards and customer requirements
Collaboration
to ensure smooth workflow, address issues promptly and share expertise
Knowledge in Manufacturing, Processing and Production
to understand raw material processing, machine operation, quality control, troubleshooting and adherence to production schedules and safety protocols
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