Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators – NOC : 9235

Unit Group

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.

Example Titles

bleach plant operator – pulp and paper

control operator, paper machine

panelboard operator – pulp and paper

pulping control operator

pulping group operator – pulp and paper

pulping technician

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Main duties

Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators perform 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.

Classified elsewhere

Papermaking and finishing machine operators (9433)
Pulp mill machine operators (9432)
Supervisors, forest products processing (9215)