Job Overview Papers are used in many ways everyday. It is considered to be an important material for people. Producing paper requires complex operations, and there are semi-skilled and skilled production workers who are involved in this process. Paper processing workers include barker operator, chipper, digester operator, beater engineer, paper-machine operator, backtenders, process engineers, pulp-and-paper lab testers, cylindermachine operators, control inspectors and pulp plant supervisors.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Most employers are not strict when it comes to educational requirements for applicants for paper processing worker. Some of them will require a high school diploma. An employer would be looking for skilled and semi-skilled applicants. Classes that are helpful for this career are the following: Blueprint reading, Shop, Mechanical drawing, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Knowledge in computers is essential so Computer classes should be taken also. Those who have Bachelor’s degree will have better opportunities in this field. They can take degrees in Engineering, Papermaking, Business, Wood Science and Technology.
Skills and Abilities
Teamwork is very important in paper processing. It involves many responsibilities that are delegated to other people. Good skills in interacting with people is needed. Communication skills should be effective especially when endorsing work to other people. The person who will be taking over should know what is happening. Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity are important. They should be detail-oriented and alert. Good hearing and vision are also vital. They need to adjust easily to different work schedules since most of the paper plant operate for 24 hours a day. Advancement in this career is possible if an applicant would study other processes involved in manufacturing paper aside from the task they are assigned to.
Duties
Duties of a paper processing worker are divided into different people who are responsible for certain jobs in the production of paper.
Some workers are responsible in controlling the machine to cut and clean logs. The digester operator supervises helpers who control and regulate the pressure and temperature in the digester. They are responsible in producing quality paper.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Paper products have always been in demand. Newspapers, books and magazines are paper-made materials that are being used by people. This alone increases the demand for papers. This should increase job opportunities for paper processing workers. Unfortunately, new technologies, machines and equipment that are being used in producing paper created minimal job opportunities. The employment is more competitive and employees would prefer to hire those who are skilled or semi-skilled workers already. Most of the paper machine operators earn $34,259 which is the average income for those who are in their field. The income and salary of paper processing worker depend on the work that they do since most of them have different tasks assigned.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.