Pulp and Paper Operator

Career information

What do they do?

Pulp and paper operators use machinery and equipment to make pulp and paper. They understand both manual and computer-controlled systems and processes and monitor, maintain and make minor repairs to ensure a consistent quality of output throughout the production process.

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day or shift work.

A typical day involves monitoring and operating waste treatment plants to ensure environmental compliance, operating chemical plants, set and operate wood-chip machinery, operate refiners, boilers and large complex dryers and pulp converting machinery.

Sound like you?

Study areas
  • English
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good initiative/‘can do’ attitude.
Helpful experience
  • Working with facts and figures
  • Analysing, researching or problem solving
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers.
Preferred work environments
  • Inside (workshop or plant)
  • One place every day.

Pathway

School

NCEA Level 2 is recommended

Entry level jobs

Traineeship or apprenticeship

  • Pulp and Paper Operator
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Team leader
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Manager

The logistics sector needs skilled people

Learn more on the qualifications available.

Find out more

Available jobs

No jobs currently posted.
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