Entry Level Operator

The Position

The Port Townsend Paper Mill currently has an opening for an Entry Level Operator based out of our location in Port Townsend, Washington.

About Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service. PTPC is proud to provide good, prevailing wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.

Job Responsibilities

• Digesters – Loading pressure vessels with wood chips. Includes using a large wrench to tighten digester lids, moving/rodding hoppers to ensure flow of wood chips and clean-up of dust. 
• Fiber Supply – Clean-up of dust/bark/chips. Operation of 988 CAT loader and skid steere. 
• Power & Recovery – Clean-up of dust/bark, unplugging conveyor chutes, operating boiler valves, operating skid steere. 
• Paper Machines – Clear paper from under machines; keep areas clean and orderly; inspect and keep clear felt guide paddles and ropes in the basement.
• Shipping- Ability to operate forklift safely.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to be trained and act as a competent relief for two jobs up the ladder in each of the departments within a specified training period.

Physical Requirements

These positions are classified as physically demanding and rated in the category of heavy lifting, moving heavy objects, and very fast-paced work. 

• Ability to Lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Stand, walk up to 12 hours per day, including carrying items on flat ground or up and down stairs; pushing; pulling; squatting; crouching; bending or stooping; crawling; kneeling; shoveling; sweeping; climbing stairs and ladders; and/or repetitive reaching or other repetitive hand use in any and all-weather conditions (sun, rain, sleet, snow).
• Ability to work in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Enter and work in confined spaces both walking and crawling.
• Must be able to wear respirators and breathing apparatus.

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or GED and 18 years old and over; no experience required; ability to pass the mill physical capacities test and drug screening; capable of being trained for Emergency Response.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Steam, dust, mists, noise, odors, and temperature extremes.
• Working in high places and confined spaces. Sharp instruments, moving equipment.
• Environment is hot and dusty and/or cold and damp, depending on assigned area.
• Shifts are 12 hours in duration (5am or 5pm start). 2 day shifts (5am to 5pm), 2 night shifts (5pm to 5am) followed by four days off (8 day rotation), not including any additional overtime. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary starting at $23.08/hour.
• Afternoon and graveyard shift differentials.  
• A comprehensive health care plan including prescription, vision care, life insurance, and dental plan.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• An exceptional retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
• 2-5 weeks of vacations, pending years of service.
• 10 paid holidays, per year.
• Free on-site parking.
• Opportunity for overtime.
• Union represented position.

Port Townsend Paper Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug-free workplace.